Douglas Paulsrud

douglas paulsrud
Douglas Verdale Paulsrud, 65, of Nielsville, MN died Friday, April 3, 2015 at home with his wife and daughters by his side. Doug was born on October 19, 1949, in Crookston, MN to Orris and Julia (Bratteli) Paulsrud. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Petri Lutheran Church. He grew up on the family farm near Nielsville. Doug attended school in Nielsville and the Northwest School of Agriculture in Crookston. After graduating from Halstad High School in 1967, he attended Moorhead State College. In addition to his studies, Doug mastered the fine art of the game of pool, a skill that he proudly passed on to his daughters. At a young age, Doug began farming with his dad, a way of life that grew to be very important to him. In pursuit of his own farming operation, Doug began doing drywall work in the off season, leading him to establish Paulsrud Drywall, which he owned and operated for 26 years. Doug never forgot a job he did, always pointing out homes and business across the valley that he worked on. On March 27, 1976 he was united in marriage to Sandra Smith. Soon after, Doug and Sandy purchased their own farm along the Red River, where they continued to farm through the 2014 growing season. The farm proved to be a wonderful place to raise their two daughters, Abby and Kelsey. Besides schooling his daughters in pool, Doug enjoyed bowling, softball, hunting, fishing, playing cards, making (and eating) klub and lefse, family road trips in the van, and playing outdoor (and living room) sports with his girls. Doug always had a soft spot for animals, especially his numerous pets over the years, whether it was the family dog, a stray cat, or a pet gopher named Queenie. Doug was taken from us much too soon. We will miss his unique humor, his detailed life recollections, competitive spirit, knowledge, perfection, and caring nature. His memory will live on through his family. Doug’s family would like to thank Hospice of the Red River Valley for their support, care, and kindness during this difficult time. Doug is survived by his wife Sandy and their daughters, Abby Grund of Grand Forks, ND and Kelsey (Joe) Christofferson of Bemidji, MN; three sisters: Ginger (Gale) Odegaard of Ada, MN, LeeAnn (Larry) Geiselhart of Fargo, ND, and Lynette (Guy) Beckedahl of Sherwood, ND; mother-in-law, Lillian Smith of Crookston; brother-in-law, Lee (Carla) Smith of Grand Forks; sister-in-law, Kellie (James) Muigai of Tucson, AZ and many nieces, nephews, and other relatives. He is preceded in death by his parents, nephew Rikki Smith, and father-in-law Sidney Smith. In lieu of flowers, Doug’s family invites you to support the Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease Foundation, Hospice of the Red River Valley or the St. Petri Cemetery Fund.

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  1. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you all. We are very saddened to hear this. Your family will always hold a special spot in our heart. Love to all.

  2. We wanted to offer our deepest sympathy to your family.
    Your Postmaster Friends, Marlys & Marv Timm-Loretto Mn

  3. Sandy and family-

    I am so sorry for your loss of this remarkable man. We will keep you in prayer. May your warm memories of your lives together bring comfort and solace now and always.

  4. Sandy and family –
    My thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of loss. These last months of time together was a time to treasure Doug’s time with you while reliving memories together in a time of change. May God continue to hold you closely with love as you heal.
    Cousin Anita L A

  5. Sandy, We are sorry to hear about Doug. Our prayers and best wished are with you and the girls.

    Vernon and Jane Roningen

  6. So sorry for your loss. Am sure this is a very difficult time. You are all in my prayers. God Bless Eleanore

  7. Sandy I am so sorry to hear of Doug’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your girls. Marlys

  8. My sympathy and prayers for you Sandy and your family. As you know Douglas and I were the only two in our class from Nielsville even though Douglas attended Halstad High School and I went to Climax High School. I’ll always remember being confirmed together. We made sure that he was on the left and I was on the right side during the ceremony so we didn’t look like we were getting married. We were also born just a day apart in the same hospital. He will be missed.

  9. Sympathy goes out to all the family. I was a close friend of your sister Virginia and my sister Bonnie Eidsmoe went to school with Doug. So sorry to hear. (and I baby sat Sandy and family years ago.) Know he will be greatly missed by many. The Lord Bless you and keep you under his wings as you go thru this day.

  10. My condolences to Doug’s family. My memories of Doug are of a kind, intelligent, friendly guy. Peace to you all as you deal with his death.

  11. great memories of fun times whenever we got together. Playing cards etc….Our heartfelt sympathy

  12. Dearest Sandy and family,

    Sorry to hear of your loss, my prayers though and love go to you and yours.

  13. I am saddened by your loss. I have the pleasure of working with Kelsey at Bemidji State University. While I never met Douglas, I can imagine the great man he was based on the wonderful daughter I get to work with every week. My thoughts are with the family as you go through this difficult time.

    All my best,
    Jodi Monerson

  14. Our prayers to Sandy, his daughters and Doug’s sisters. I remember Doug and I playing pool at Elmer’s (Tronnes) Café in Nielsville. Our sympathy to the family. Ron and Marie Tronnes

  15. We are so sorry to hear of Doug’s passing– know you are all in our thoughts and prayers!
    Doug did the taping & texturing in many of our homes , it was always a pleasure working with..

  16. We are so sorry for your loss Sandy and girls. I always smile when I think of our card parties! I loved being Doug’s whist partner!! May you find comfort in your many wonderful memories.

  17. Our thoughts and prayer are with you at this time. We pray for comfort and peace to the entire family of Doug. We know Doug through James muigai who is our dear brother and a brother in law to Doug. Rest in peace Doug till we meet again.

  18. Dearest Sandy and family,
    I share your unspeakable grief. In the days, weeks, months, and years ahead, I will keep you in my prayers. My virtual arms are around you good and tight. Please know that I (and your USPS sister/friends) love you to infinity and beyond. May God give you what you need the most; peace. As Always, Jeanne Frey

  19. Kelsey, Joe, and family, Our thoughts and prayers have been with your family through this very difficult time. I am sorry that we never met your father. We would have enjoyed knowing him. Kelsey, it is easy to see the traits that you inherited from Dad. Wear them with pride. We hope fond memories, support of family and friends, and time will ease the pain. God Bless, Dale and Michelle


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