Anna Paulsen

Anna Magrethe (Arnoldsen) Paulsen, 93, of Winthrop Harbor, died on June 15, 2017 at Rolling Hills Nursing Home, Zion, IL.

Anna was born on December 25, 1923, in Brevik, Norway, to Arthur and (Nelly) Ruth Arnoldsen.  At 9 months old, Anna and her mom came to America on the S. S. Bergensfjord ship to be reunited with her dad who found a job in Chicago.  After graduating from Carl Schurz High School in 1941, she worked for the Continental Bank in the Chicago loop.  Anna met the love of her life, Harry James Paulsen Jr. (died May 25, 2012), on a blind date, and they married in Chicago on May 31, 1947, and made their home in Winthrop Harbor.

She is survived by 4 children Diane (Gordy) Taylor, Macomb, IL; Arne (Julie) Paulsen, Zion, IL; Paul (Marsha) Paulsen, Beach Park, IL; and Ruth (Steve) Drew, Highlands Ranch, CO.  Also surviving are 9 grandchildren, Jennifer (John) Stevenson, Colleen (Steve) Rodgers, Lesli (Kevin) Miller, Gordon (Lisa) Taylor III, Heather (John) Patenaude, Neil (Koren) Paulsen, Ryan (Margaret) Taylor, Derek (Erin) Paulsen, and Kyle (Katie) Paulsen, 25 great grandchildren ranging from 2 months to 13 years, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Anna was the oldest of 6 girls.  She was preceded in death by one sister, Betty Jones Javenkowski, and surviving are 4 sisters, Mildred Severson, Lillian Arnoldsen, Mabel Arnoldsen, and Eleanor (Larry) Kilcran.  Numerous individuals considered Anna as a second mom, mentor, advisor, and loyal friend.  One very special lady who was devoted to Anna and considered family is Rosemary Bielke.

A three-time cancer survivor, Anna loved her family and exemplified what it is to be a loving wife, mom, grandma, great-grandma, sister, aunt, and daughter.  She served in many leadership roles of various organizations over the years:  president of American Legion Post 1187 Auxiliary, Zion Women’s Club secretary, church women’s circles chair, Winthrop Harbor AARP chapter’s secretary, Sons of Norway member, and president of the Residents Council of Rolling Hills Place.

She loved being a full-time homemaker, but in 1967 she had the opportunity to become a secretary/bookkeeper for the Zion-Benton Township High School Business Office until retiring in 1989.  Anna was a devout Christian and her love of St. Mary’s Lutheran Church was evident in her activities over the years such as Friendly Center, prayer breakfast group, and women’s circles.

Anna was known for her homemade baby quilts, delicious pies, chocolate chip cookies, and strawberry freezer jam.  She had an infectious laugh, loved the Lord, and believed in helping others.  She always sent cards and notes to others, welcomed people into her home with a hot cup of coffee and something to eat, and was the “go to” person if something needed to be accomplished.  In the true sense of the phrase, Anna Paulsen was a giver and not a taker on many levels.

Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, June 19, 2017, followed by service at 11:00 at St. Mary’s Lutheran Church, Kenosha, WI.  Interment will follow at Mt. Olivet Memorial Park, Zion, IL.  Memorials may be made to the Harry and Anna Paulsen Scholarship, Western Illinois University, or St. Mary’s Lutheran Church.