Memorial
Paulson, Cathy Jo, of Cedar Rapids passed away peacefully on October 8, 2023, at the age of 72, surrounded by family and close friends.
Cathy was born on April 4, 1951, in Granite Falls, Minnesota to Wally and Evelyn (Antonson) Strasheim. She was baptized at St. Paul Lutheran Church on April 29, 1951, and later confirmed on May 1, 1966. Her faith was always a strong part of her identity. Cathy graduated from Granite Falls High School in 1969.
On June 28, 1970, she married Curtis (Curt) Paulson, her lifelong partner, and together they raised three sons. In 1976, Cathy and Curt moved to Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Cathy worked for Life Investors as an accountant and then as a teachers associate for the Cedar Rapids Community School District for many years until her retirement. She had a sincere passion for the care of kids and fiercely supported her sons and grandchildren. Cathy was grateful for three daughters-in-law and welcomed them into the family as if they were her own. She was blessed with 7 grandchildren who admired and sought guidance from her. Her family was the joy of her life.
Cathy particularly enjoyed family gatherings at Thanksgiving and Christmas time (where she would often jump into football games with her boys and grandchildren), reading in her library, taking long walks, sunsets on the Florida beach, traveling, and conversations with friends while having a cup of Caribou coffee. She was a constant presence at her boys’ and grandchildren’s events.
Cathy was preceded in death by her parents Wally and Evelyn Strasheim. She is survived by her husband of 53 years, Curt; sons: Lance (Stacey), Brent (Amy), and Zachary (Jenelle); grandchildren: Kiley, Dylan, Claire, Blake, Brady, Aubrey, and Sienna; siblings: Carol (August), Cheryl (Dean), Connie (Jerry), and Curtis (Willow); cousins, nieces, nephews, and other loving family and friends.
A funeral service will be held on Monday, October 16, 2023, at 11:00 AM at First Lutheran Church (1000 3rd Avenue SE, Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52403). A visitation will begin at 9:30 AM prior to the funeral at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in the memory of Cathy Paulson to the Helen G. Nassif Community Cancer Center (https://www.communitycancercenter.org/donate/#donate-form). Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.