Wanda Paulson, age 87, of Sheyenne, ND, died Friday, April 20, 2012, at Carrington Health Center, Carrington, ND.

     Wanda Elaine Nelson was born August 8, 1924, to Hartley and Mabel (Christianson) Nelson on the family farm south of Oberon, ND.  She was the second of seven children.  Wanda grew up in Oberon and graduated from Oberon High School.  She attended college in Minot, ND, and then taught in area country schools.  On December 20, 1947, Wanda married Orville Paulson in Oberon.  They were married for 43 years, and began their life together farming.  They moved to Oberon, Sheyenne, later Westhope, and then retired in Sheyenne, ND.   Orville died September 5, 1991.  Wanda lived at Sheyenne until moving to assisted living, and later Golden Acres Manor, Carrington, ND.

     She was a member of First Lutheran Church in Sheyenne where she taught Sunday School and helped quilt.  Flowers, sewing, hats, children, singing, the color purple and family…these are all words that describe our “Aunt Wanda”.  She had a colorful soul, a contagious laugh, and loved helping others.

     She will be missed by her adoring family: one sister, Dallas Erickson, Phoenix, AZ; two brothers, Mayo Nelson, Aloha, OR, and  James (Anne) Nelson, Oberon; 2 sisters-in-law, Thelma Paulson, Maddock, Shirley Nelson, New Rockford;  many nieces, nephews, and friends.

     Wanda was preceded in death by her parents, husband, a sister Vivian, brothers Wayne & Glen Nelson, and brother-in-law, Arland Paulson.

“Aunt Wanda” lived a full life, complete with laughter and sorrow.  As we gather today, although we will miss her physical presence in our lives, let’s not grieve, but celebrate her life as it was fully lived.  As we talk and visit, let’s share our memories, as her sparkling spirit continues to shine in all of us.

FUNERAL SERVICE: First Lutheran Church, Sheyenne, ND

DATE AND TIME: Monday, April 23, 2012 at 10:30AM

BURIAL: Viking Cemetery, rural Maddock, ND