Donald Richard Paulsen

Donald Richard Paulsen, age 87, went to be with his Lord and Savior January 20, 2023. Don was born May 3, 1935 in Okmulgee, Oklahoma, son of Howard and Nanette (Vaiana) Paulsen.

Don was a committed husband, father, grandfather, and Christian—he devoted much of his time and energy to his family, his pride and joy, and to God. He was an active member of Haven Church and volunteered as a custodian and with the food bank program. After retiring from the City of Kalamazoo Parks Department, he spent the last 21 years volunteering his time at his daughter and son-in-law’s business, Martin Spring & Driveline, and will be sorely missed by all who met him. Don also loved to attend all sporting events for any of his grandkids and even kept stats books for Plainwell Athletics basketball. Outside of work and family, Don enjoyed tending to his garden and caring for his lawn, along with a good round of golf.

On August 30, 1957, Don married the former Ann Bussema, who preceded him in death December 30, 2007 after 50 years of marriage. He was also preceded in death by his parents.

Don is survived by his second wife, Esther Power-Paulsen; children, Donna (Richard) Kersey of FL, Sue (Steve) Weber of Kalamazoo, and Nancy (Jeffery) Burr of Martin; 7 grandchildren: Erin (Greg) Bennett, Ethan (Taylor English) Kersey, Sarah (Hank) Overway, Scott (Hannah) Weber, Shelley (Sam Leatch) Weber, David (Melissa Gokey) Burr, and Gregory Burr; great-grandchildren, Jack, Anna, Hank, and Lyman; sister, Darlene (Keith) McKenzie of Cassopolis; and many nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be conducted on Thursday, January 26 at 11:00 AM at Haven Church, 5350 N. Sprinkle Rd. with Pastor Craig Gilbert officiating. The family will receive friends Wednesday, January 25 from 4-7:00 PM at Langeland Family Funeral Homes Burial & Cremation Services, 3926 S 9th St, Kalamazoo. Interment will take place in Riverside Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the Haven Church Endowment Fund.

To share a memory or leave a condolence, visit https://www.langelands.com.