Obituary of Lloyd Paulson

Lloyd O. Paulson (77) went to be with his loving savior on April 12, 2011, in Cambridge, MN, due to complications of pulmonary fibrosis. He was born on December 16, 1933, in Bodom, MN, to Nils and Freda Paulson. He was the youngest of 9 children. His birth mother died when he was 5 weeks old and he was taken in by Carl and Nora Erikson of Cambridge, who lovingly raised him as their own son. They were parents he revered. Lloyd attended Moody School and graduated from Cambridge High School in 1951. After graduation, he worked with his Dad as a meat cutter for two years. In 1953, he joined the Army, and served honorably with the 10th Mountain Division, Mountain Cold Weather Training Command. After leaving the service, he attended the University of Minnesota for a year before transferring to St. Cloud State College where he earned a degree in Biology and Education. On October 6, 1956 he married the love of his life, Carolyn Stake, and they spent the next 54 ½ years together. In 1960, he moved to Waukegan IL, to pursue a career in education, initially serving 10 years as Science teacher at Neal Junior High in North Chicago, IL. He obtained his Master of Science degree in Educational Administration at Northern Illinois University, and subsequently served as Dean of Students, Assistant Principal, and Principal of schools in both Waukegan and Park Ridge, IL. He was known at "The Principal with a Heart", and "PrinciPal". On the day he retired in 1992, he was surprised at home by a parade of students, faculty, neighbors and a brass band which escorted him to school. In addition to education, he served as Chairman of the Maine Township Committee on Youth, President of Phi Delta Kappa, the Park Ridge Morning Kiwanis, and in many areas of church life at South Park Church where he also served as Administer for the 6 years immediately following his retirement from education. Lloyd had a passion for children and animals. He was a mentor, tutor, playmate and friend to kids of all ages. The dream of his life was to retire to the family farm on Lake Fanny in Cambridge. He and Carolyn realized this dream in 1997. While residing in Cambridge he was active at First Baptist Church, in Rotary, and as a youth mentor for the Isanti County "Kids Like Us", a position which he continued until the time of his death. He was active in other areas of the community including serving on the board and as FBC Night Host Coordinator for New Pathways Interfaith Hospitality Network. His passion was to help children and families. Lloyd was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Nora Erikson, his brother Glenn Erikson, and his sister, Erma Edberg. He will be greatly missed by his wife Carolyn, 3 sons, Steve (Karla) of Leesburg, VA, Al (friend Lisa Haney) of Los Angeles, CA, and Nathan (Jennifer) of Wheaton, IL. He treasured his 3 grandchildren, Erik (24) currently serving as a U.S. Naval Officer, Jaden (8) and Jillian (5 1/2). He leaves nieces, nephews, and a host of friends. Lloyd faced his illness with courage, faith and humor. Blessed be the memory of Lloyd Paulson.