Evans Funeral Home
"Compassionate Funeral Service"
Carrington and New Rockford, North Dakota
701.652.3003 or 701.947.2911
Secondary Number ~ 701.650.9937
Gerald Paulson
Gerald Leland Paulson (Snook) was born March 20, 1938, at the Neubson birthing home in Carrington, ND to Alvin and Pearl (Wobbema) Paulson. Snook started school in Carrington and then spent part of his 1st and 2nd grade in Jamestown, ND while living in a foster home. He returned to Carrington for a couple of years, then spent 2 school years in San Leandro, CA, living with his stepmother, Judy, and her family. Snook graduated from CHS in 1956, where he was active in band, choir, Glee Club and Letterman’s Club. He was captain of the football team, student manager of the basketball team and was in track. He was athlete of the year in 1956 at CHS and was also homecoming king. During high school, Snook worked at Steve Wenaas’ Piggly Wiggly grocery store. He was also part of a roller-skating show that performed in the area. He played clarinet in a 10-piece band that played at area proms and at the Rainbow Gardens in Carrington. He served in the North Dakota National Guard with the 142nd Engineer Battalion.
After graduation, Snook attended Valley City State College where he sang in the choir and was a member of the Tau Sig fraternity. He then attended NDSU and went back to Valley City to get his 2-year standard teaching certificate. In 1960 Snook started teaching in Tuttle, ND as a 6th grade teacher and junior high basketball coach. He finished his 4-year degree at Minot State University.
Snook married Adelyne Louise Goldsmith on August 4, 1963. They moved to Carrington where Snook taught school for 33 years. He taught 7-8 grade math and science, coached junior high basketball, track and football. In the summers he worked for Ray and Roland Sharbono Construction, until he started a paint crew of teachers, P and P Painting. He also worked part time at the Post Office. During this time, he earned his Master’s Degree in Education from UND.
Adelyne died in 1979. Snook married Cathy Miller Hjelseth on May 28, 1983 in Carrington. Snook enjoyed hunting, fishing, woodworking, playing cards, music and being with family and friends. Snook and Cathy took many wonderful trips. They drove to the East Coast and to the West Coast, took an Alaskan and a Caribbean cruise, went to Ireland, Holland, Belgium, England, Scotland, Wales and Hawaii. Snook also enjoyed his annual ice fishing trip to Minnesota with his friends and boys. Opening deer weekend was like a holiday. In Snook’s retirement years he became a Christmas baker; making and selling krumkake, rosettes and spritz cookies.
Snook was a charter member of the Carrington Lion’s Club and received the Melvin Jones Fellowship Award, their highest honor. He was on the Trinity Lutheran Church board, was a Jaycee’s member and played softball for the Shamrock Bar. He also played league bowling.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Alvin Paulson and Pearl Edinger; stepmothers, Judy and Nora; wife, Adelyne Paulson; brother, Lyle Paulson; mother-in-law, Bonnie Goldsmith; fathers-in-law, Harold Goldsmith and Gary Miller; and brothers-in-law, Don Workentine and Bud (Elsie) Goldsmith.
Snook is survived by his wife, Cathy and by 5 sons: Eric (Mary Jo), Carrington, ND, Matt (Laura), Hawley, MN, Patrick (Nicole), Wahpeton, ND, Brian (Erin), Jamestown, ND, Nate Hjelseth (Leah), Waconia, MN, and 2 daughters: Joan (Dave) Copenhaver, Carrington and Sarah Hjelseth Schindler (Gary), Grand Forks, ND; sisters, Doris Workentine, Sturgis, SD, Denise (Danny) Schuchard, Carrington, ND, Darlene Porter, Jamestown, ND, Doris Storrs (Sam), Cohasset, MN; brothers, Holly Pond (Judy) Bowman, ND, David Edinger (Karen), Cheyenne, WY, Chuck Edinger, Jamestown, ND; mother-in-law, Joyce Miller, Carrington; brothers-in-law, Scott Miller, Carrington, Brent (Roxanne) Miller, Grand Forks, ND, Mark (Kari) Miller, Grand Forks, ND, Larry Goldsmith, Fredericksburg, VA; sisters-in-law, Joyce Paulson, Fargo, ND, Darlyne Stanczyk, Holly, MI; 28 grandchildren: Connor Arellano (Danny), LaMesa, CA, Justin Paulson (Carolyn) and their daughters, Adeline and Olive, Fridley, MN, Emilea Brewer (Jesse) and their daughter, Charlotte, Hendersonville, TN, Kirsten Pecka (Brad) and their children, Hudson, Aubrey, Grady and Evie, Ardoch, ND, Carly Pritchard (Caleb) and their daughter, Blakely, Pleasonton, NE, Jake Copenhaver, Fargo, ND, Trevor Paulson, Carrington, ND, Brett Paulson, Carrington, ND, Noah Paulson, Bismarck, ND and Jack Paulson, Grand Forks, ND, Megan Schreiner (Joe) and their children, Brynley and Emma, Sioux Falls, SD, Gabby Paulson, Fargo, ND and Abi Paulson, Wahpeton, ND, Annabelle, Cole, Ellie, Cooper, and Piper Paulson, Jamestown, ND, Will and Thomas Hjelseth, Waconia, MN, Mandi Afoa (Fale), and their children, Lola, Koa, Luana and Leilani, Clarksville, TN, Madison, Olivia, Grace, Alexa, James, Kennedy and Evelyn Schindler, Grand Forks., ND; and family friend, Tiffany Paulson.
When asked to describe their dad in one word these are the responses from his 7 kids: honorable, servant leader, best friend, wise, teacher (classroom and life), my hero and patient.
In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to the Carrington Lions Club.
Snook’s Visitation will be Thursday, November 6, 2025, from 1:00 -4:00PM at Evans Funeral Home and continue at church from 5:00-600PM followed by a Prayer Service at 6:00PM at Trinity Lutheran Church, Carrington.
A Funeral Service will be held Friday, November 7, 2025 at 2:00PM at Trinity Lutheran Church, Carrington.
His Burial will be at the Carrington Cemetery.
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work with Gerald and his mother. we miss them.
My heart is heavy. I’m praying for all of you. He always was and will always be a perfect Angel!
So very sorry for your loss, my thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Cathy and family,
We are so sorry for your loss. His legacy as a great teacher will be remembered forever – one of a kind!
Snook was my son’s teacher and my son liked him a lot. He was also leader of the crew who painted our farm home. So sorry to hear of his passing. He was a great man.
So sorry for your loss, Cathy and family. He was a great teacher and person. our thoughts and prayers are with you.
I was in Golden Acres Manor along with Snook. I visited daily with Snook and Cathy and they both were extremely friendly and all with ME. I will greatly miss Snook as we sat at neighboring tables. Their connection was truly one to admire. R.I.P. SNOOK and take Time to rest. He’s in God’s Hand’s now. I’ll remember you BOTH ALWAYS.
Cathy and family, I’m so sorry for your loss. My dad, Paul Neumiller, enjoyed working with Snook at the Carrington school. My dad was the janitor. We loved spending time with him and Cathy at Larry and Sheri Nelson’s. Many precious memories.
Cathy and Family,
Snook was a great guy! He always had a smile. Sending hugs and prayers to all of you.
Your Dad, Mr. Paulson, was my 6th grade teacher in Tuttle many years ago! He was a great teacher and one of my favorites. I was an avid reader back then and during history class one day I was very absorbed in a book until I heard,”Miss Goldsmith, would you like to join the rest of us in history class?” Of course, I answered in the affirmative. I am so sorry for your loss, may you find comfort in knowing he is with our Savior. You have all been blessed by knowing him as a father and friend.
So sorry to hear of his passing. Joan and family you are in my prayers.
So sorry to hear of Snook’s passing. I always admired him, not only as a teacher, but as just a great all around guy. To all the Paulson families, we sent our thoughts and prayers.
Cathy and family, My deepest sympathy on the passing of Snook. Sounds like your life was full of fun and family. What a great legacy that you have created.
Peace to you in the coming days.
I’m so sorry Cathy and family. Lots of good memories…”Miss Miller, do you care to join us?”
His painting crew doing an outbuilding and living across from Martin and Ella Mae. Well done good and faithful servant.
My sympathy to the Paulson family. He was a good friend to Larry. They taught together for several years. We enjoyed his humor and friendship.
Our deepest sympathy to the Paulson family. May you find comfort in your memories.
Our Deepest Sympathy, Cathy, to you & to all of your family. Snook was one of the “good guys”! He will be missed in this community.
Thoughts and prayers going to all the family. I spent alot of time over there and I don’t ever remember him getting mad. Great teacher and great man! Love to you all!
I’m so sorry to hear of Snooks passing. I enjoyed working with him before his retirement. Snooks always reminded me that he was on the hiring committee when I was hired as principal. I was grateful for that opportunity. He always had a smile when I had a chance to visit with him. My family and I enjoyed the Christmas goodies he made each year. May God bless Cathy and the whole Paulson family and bring them peace.
Cathy and family, my thoughts and prayers are with you. I enjoyed knowing Snook, he was a wonderful person. I know that my Mom enjoyed teaching with him at the same school. Always cherish the years you spent together, as it was a gift.
My heart is with you in the coming days. God be with you 🙏🙏
Our condolences to the Paulson family. Thinking of you all.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you Cathy and all of the family. Snooks was a great teacher and friend, he always had a smile on his face and a friendly word for all. He will be missed by you his family and the community of Carrington. May he rest in peace.
My deepest sympathies to Cathy and all the family. Mr. Paulson gave so much to his students and community. He lived a good life. My kids all loved him as a teacher. Rest in peace, Mr. Paulson.
Joan and the rest of the Paulson family. I am so sorry for your loss!! deepest sympathy to you all. you will be in my thoughts and prayers.
So sorry to hear of the passing of Snooky our thoughts and prayers are with the family. Many memories of all the times together and his quick wit. All the years working with him were a pleasure. Rest in peace. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻.
A great teacher and all around nice guy. May god grant you peace.
Mr. Paulson was my 7th grade teacher. You are in paradise with JESUS, forever. Sorry you are not living in Carrington, ND.