Chester Mayo Paulson came into this world on March 28, 1925 at the Mayo Hospital in Rochester, MN. He was the seventh child born to Carl and Hansine Paulson.
He spent his early life in eastern Montana, working and playing on the family farm in Homestead. Dad loved to tell about all of the rabbits and gophers he could shoot with his trusty .22. Dad grew up working hard on the farm but he had other plans; a wife and a cattle ranch. In March of 1950 he met the love of his life, Irene Hoffman, when he pulled her car out of the ditch. It was love at first sight. After dating for several months they were married December 1, 1950. Mom and dad lived in the Culbertson area and began their family. Linda was born in 1952, Barbara in 1953, and Janis in 1955. Dad’s dream of owning a cattle ranch became a reality in 1955. With three children in tow, he and mom moved to a 320 acre ranch outside of Polson, MT. Dad began building his herd of Hereford and Angus cattle and finished his family with the addition of Naomi, Patty, and Joe. Ranch life was just beginning for the Paulson family. Haying, flood irrigation, calving, branding and vaccinations; dad did it all. He worked hard every day and enjoyed sitting in his easy chair in the evenings eating mom’s fudge-a favorite of his.
For many years dad would round up his calves and truck them to Sioux City or Omaha to the stockyards. Dad received several Grand Champion awards for his calves that were sold for 4-H projects. In Sioux City, dad was informed of new cattle breeds from Europe that were becoming popular around the country for their leaner beef. He was immediately interested but getting breeding bulls was out of the question. Artificial insemination was the newest and best means to breeding different cattle. In the late sixties dad traveled to Washington State and learned the process of artificial insemination. He bred Charolais, Maine Anjou, Chianina, Simmental and South Devon. The ranch was dubbed Mission Range Exotics. Dad and mom raised a family and built a solid reputation for knowing cattle. Life was great. Days, weeks and years were full of work, attending church and having neighbors over for coffee and visiting. The coffee was always on and mom had cookies, cinnamon rolls or fresh bread to offer.
After the death of his parents, a daughter in the seventies, and then his beloved wife in 1988, dad finally began slowing down. Eventually he sold his cattle and then the ranch. Dad moved to Terry, MT. To keep busy, dad began building tables and night stands. Many people were recipients of these handmade treasures. Dad also kept a flock of chickens which enabled him to bless others with eggs and meat. The past two years were hard on dad. He suffered several strokes and became housebound. Joe moved to Terry and became dad’s caregiver. Chester Paulson, a wonderful dad, grandfather, and great grandfather left this earth on February 15, 2017.
He is preceded in death by parents Carl and Hansine; siblings Joe Peterson, Happy Schultz, Mabel McKenzie, Sadie Nelson, Hazel Smith, and Adeline Olsen; daughter Barbara and wife Irene.
Dad is survived by children Linda Davis, Janis Miller, Naomi Leahy, Patty Wilson and Joe Paulson. He has 14 grandchildren, 22 great grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren. Dad’s generosity was legendary. His humor was fun. He leaves all of us with such sweet memories. We are a blessed family.
A private family burial will take place June 23, 2017 at 10:30 a.m. at Lake View Cemetery in Polson, MT. The Paulson family will host a gathering in memory of their father to be held at Boettcher Park on June 23, 2017 from 2-4 p.m. Please join us in sharing memories and lots of laughs. All are invited.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
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Judy and Larry says
We didn’t know Chester, but loved watching him improve the little property he owned in Terry. The unique windows in the garage and the front porch built around the tree in front of the house both added such character. I always hoped to meet him, but he seemed to be a private person. Just workin’ away on his little house. Prayers to his family.
Paul & Julia Hoffman says
Chester is my Uncle, who my sister & I spent time with in the summers as youngsters at his ranch near Polson. We visited with all of our cousins and tried to stay out of trouble but Chester would always find out if
we were out of line. What a great demeanor he had with us. He was always pleased when my Aunt Irene would take us all to the lake to go swimming. He was generous enough to give me my first ever gun, an old Natl. Firearms 12ga shotgun, I wasn’t more than 8 or 9 yrs. old. I still have that gun and memories of Uncle Chester with it. Bless his immediate family and God Speed to you Chester. RIP
Heather Carter says
Sorry to hear of Chester’s passing. I was his neighbor in Terry. I was always in awe of what he accomplished, especially when Chester was on the ladder…always had one eye on him…scared me half to death. Enjoyed visiting with him and he was a good reminder that a person must keep busy puttering or whatever, helps with the body, mind and soul later in life.
Zahir Michel-Fuller says
I am Chester’s great grandson(and I am 12 years old). I remember the last time I visited him was when he was turning 90 years old. I remember getting up early at a near by hotel, and driving to my great grandpa’s house to say good morning and to eat breakfast. I walked through the entrance hallway where my grandpa was sitting in a chair. Me and some of my other family members started talking to him and hugging him. I loved my great grandpa and was happy to know I had spent time with him. I was sad when I found out he passed, but I know he is having a great time in Heaven.
Crystal Volpe says
So sorry to hear about Chester–I am Hazel Smith’s youngest daughter–Chester’s niece. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
James Boren says
I remember Chester Paulson quite well. I dated one of his daughters way back in the late 1960’s while attending Polson High School. I also used to do chores for Chester on his ranch outside of Polson. My sister had informed me of his passing. Of course, my condolences go out to his entire family. I always did enjoy Chester’s company. He had quite a sense of humor. Thanks for reading 🙂
Allen Sherman says
Sorry for your loss joe miss working with you,but life goes on . Have a good life
Allen sherman. 406 261 3091
Lynn Wallace says
I was a friend & old neighbor of Naomi’s from college days in Cheney, Washington. I visited your family home in Polson. I also put Naomi’s name in my Google search & found your family on Facebook. Then I saw the news of your dad’s passing & wanted to express my condolences. (I’ve also lost my 102 year old mother not long ago.) And, I’d also love to communicate w/Naomi if someone could pass this info along. (Especially since I’ve wondered about your family since meeting your dad & Joe & spending several days @ your home during spring break when I visited w/my son (Ian Wallace) who was friends w/Justin. I also met Joe & your dad & even participated in helping birth a calf. So, I’m Looking forward to a message returned & thanking whoever responds (in advance.)Best regards, Lynn Wallace
Juleen ONeal says
I grew up with this family. What an honor. Mom and Dad were good friends with the family. Love them dearly ❣️