Willard Paulson, 100, Ashby, MN

C. Willard Paulson, 100, died Sunday, April 27, 2008, at ELEAH Medical Center in Elbow Lake.

He was born Aug. 19, 1907, to Gilbert and Anna (Johnson) Paulson at Elbow Lake.

On March 3, 1932, he married Esther Johnson. They began farming near Barrett and then relocated near Ashby, where they continued farming.

For several years he was also employed by the Grant County Highway Department. They retired in 1977, and moved into Ashby.

Willard was an active member of Peace Lutheran Church in Ashby. He served on the Ashby school board and the Pelican Lake Township Board. For years he enjoyed collecting and working with old tractors.

Willard and Esther celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in 1992, and Esther died in 1993.

Willard entered the Pelican Lake Health Care Center in 2003.

He is survived by two sons, Carlton (Phyllis) Paulson of Moorhead and Larry (Karen) Paulson of Ashby; nine grandchildren; and 23 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Esther; three daughters, Arlys (Otto) Heth, Delores (Jack) Nelson and Avis Marie; one grandson; four brothers; and three sisters.

Visitation: Thursday from 5 to 7 p.m., with a prayer service at 7 p.m., at the funeral home and one hour prior to the service at the church

Service: 2 p.m. Friday at Peace Lutheran Church, Ashby

Clergy: Rev. Tom Junkert

Burial: Pelican Lake Cemetery, Ashby

Funeral Home: Glende-Nilson Funeral Home, Ashby

Condolences may be sent online at www.glendenilson.com