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On Nov. 20, 2025, Dean Paul Paulsen, age, 76, of LaVista, joined his Savior Christ the Lord, his wife, family and friends in heaven.

Dean was born in Blair, Nebraska, on October 6th, 1949, to Bernard and Norma (Nelson) Paulsen. He attended Blair High School and graduated in 1967. In 1968 Dean joined the Air National Guard where he was honorably discharged in 1974. He then worked for Lincoln Aerospace Center and later Union Pacific Railroad.

On December 6th, 1986, Dean was united in marriage with Sharon Howell of LaVista NE.

Dean became a "Master" wood carver and teacher. He sold many of his carvings all over the United States. He was also a member of the Mid-West Woodcarvers Association. He won numerous awards for his carvings.

Dean leaves his son James Paulsen of Kansas, stepsons Gary (Kim) Devlin of Papillion and Eric (Jennifer) Devlin of Frisco TX. His grandchildren Eric (Courtney) Devlin, Joseph (Jessica) Devlin, Sarah Devlin, Garrett Devlin and Caleb Devlin; along with 6 great grandchildren. His brother Dale (Terry) Paulsen of Blair and sister Deanna Jensen also of Blair.

He was preceded in death by his wife Sharon F. (Howell) Paulsen, his parents Bernard and Norma Paulsen, brother and sister-in-law Darryl and Sandra Paulsen, nephew David Paulsen, brother-in-law Curtis Jensen.

Dean was a member of the Masonic Lodge #39 in Papillion NE. He also volunteered for numerous organizations in LaVista and Omaha. He was involved with the Harrison Street Baptist Church and the men's Bible study at the church.

Funeral service will be at 11 a.m. on December 6, 2025, at Bethany Funeral Home, 8201 Harrison Street, LaVista, NE. Burial will be at the Blair Cemetery in Blair, NE.

~~~~obituary courtesy of the Nebraska Washington County Genealogical Society. Newspaper clippings on files at the Public Library, Blair, Nebraska~~~~

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