Gerald Paulson
Gerald S. Paulson, age 74, of Winger, MN, died unexpectedly on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, at St. Luke’s Hospital in San José del Cabo, Mexico, following an accidental fall.
Gerald Samuel was born May 7, 1951, in Crookston, MN, to Kenneth and Glenda (Helling) Paulson. Growing up, he attended elementary school in Bejou, MN, and graduated from Mahnomen High School with the Class of 1969. Following high school, Gerald attended Concordia College where he earned his Bachelor of Arts. He began working for Moorhead Police Department for several years until deciding to enroll at UND School of Law. After graduation, Gerald began working as the Assistant States Attorney in Jamestown, ND. Later in 1989, Gerald was united in marriage to Jamie Patterson. The couple moved to Mahnomen, MN, to make their home and together they raised a daughter, Kayla. Gerald held the position of Mahnomen County Attorney from 1989 until 1995 when he moved to Monticello, MN. He became a partner in the Smith, Paulson, O’Donnell & Erickson Law Firm where he worked until his retirement in 2016 and moved back to Winger.
Throughout his life, he didn’t lack for things to keep him busy. Gerald loved to visit people, striking up a conversation with any stranger only to part as long lost friends. He enjoyed fishing, hunting with the Uhlir family, shooting trap with his grandson and old classic cars. Gerald belonged to the Hwy 2 Cruisers Car Club, even taking a people’s choice award for his old Jeep Convertible, “Conrad”! He gave of his time and talents on several boards including the nursing home, bank and township watershed boards. Gerald also liked helping out at the McCollum’s youth hunt and volunteering at MN Steam Threshers Reunion in Rollag, MN, each year.
Gerald is survived by a daughter, Kayla (Mike) Schermer; a grandson, Weston; and his beloved cat, Squawky. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Glenn; and sister, baby girl Paulson.
A Memorial Service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, April 10, 2026, at Immanuel Church in Bejou, MN. A Time of Gathering will be held Thursday, April 9, 2026, from 5:00 – 7:00 pm with a Prayer Service beginning at 6:30 p.m. at church and will continue one hour prior to the service at the church. Inurnment will be in the Bejou Cemetery, Bejou, MN.