Leona Ruth Paulsen, 90, of Ontario and formerly of Wilton and Mauston passed at home while surrounded by her family on June 11, 2017.
She was born Nov. 4, 1926, in Lower Weister (Vernon County) to Hazel (Parr) and Warnie Calhoon. She grew up in the La Farge area and graduated from the La Farge High School. After working a variety of jobs and traveling, Leona started working as a waitress at Seitz’s Restaurant in Cashton, where she met Leroy Paulsen. Three months after they met, they were united in marriage Aug. 30, 1950. Together they resided in many homes until they settled in Wilton. Leona worked at various jobs and was well known and liked throughout the community.
Leroy preceded her in death Dec. 6, 1984. Years later, she moved to Mauston, and then to Ontario in 2009. Leona was a faithful member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church and served on the ladies aid. She also volunteered at the thrift shop in Mauston. She had a great love for music, especially Lawrence Welk and Danny O’Donnell.
She was Mom, Grandma, Gram, Aunt Onie, and GramGreat, and will forever be remembered for her love of family. Leona was an amazing woman, loved by everyone who ever had a chance to meet her. She was a loving wife, mom, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend to many. She was passionate about her family and friends and making sure we were all well fed.
She is survived by her children, Judy (Dennis) Clark of Strum, Wis., Lynda (Marvin) Johnson of Ontario, Dan Paulsen of Wilton and Doug (Rai Ann) Paulsen of Mauston; her grandchildren, Wyatt (June) Johnson, Kasee Stai, Ann Steward, Kari Johnson, Denise Clark, Josh Johnson, Jonathan (Amy) Clark and Jennifer Clark; her great-grandchildren, Allie Johnson, Katalina and Cole Stai, Roman Jr. and Alyssa Steward, Zachary Krueger, and Amelia Clark; her siblings, Bernice Osgood of Viroqua, Rose (Lester) Phelps of Ontario, Jack (Marilyn) Calhoon of Wilton and Bessie (Leon) McElhose of Ontario; her sisters-in-law, Darlene Paulsen of Cashton and Clarice Paulsen of Collinsville, Ill.; along with nieces, nephews, neighbors and many other loved ones (too many to list) who are part of our family as well.
She was preceded in death by four brothers and sisters-in-law, Keith (Beatrice) Calhoon, Dennis Calhoon, James and (Tina) Calhoon, and Roger Calhoon; three sisters and brothers-in-law, Lorraine (LaVern) Schmitz and Claude Wruck, Lavon (Delbert) Sheldon, and Janet Calhoon; her brothers-in-law, Kendall Paulsen, Paul Paulsen, Edward Osgood and Ken Hensel; and her sisters-in-law, Mary (Reuben) Birkholz and Marcella Calhoon.
A funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, June 14, at St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, 401 Mill St., Wilton. Pastor Kristen Wendland will officiate. Burial will be in the church cemetery.
Relatives and friends are invited to call at the church from 4–8 p.m. Tuesday and from 10 a.m. until the time of the service Wednesday. The Smith-Nelson Funeral Home in Wilton is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be given at www.sonnenburgfamilyfh.com.
Family graciously accepts memorials. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the charity of your choice that would honor Leona.
