Glenn Paulson

Glenn Paulson was a man of many passions. Whether he was singing or dancing, gardening or golfing, Glenn put his whole heart into every endeavor. That was never truer than the love he showed for his family, as a beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend. They were Glenns greatest passion, and the great legacy he leaves behind today. Glenns story began on a cool winter day in 1917, in the shoreline city of Muskegon, Michigan. Those were such tumultuous times in this country, as America began to realize it could no longer turn a blind eye to the tyranny of World War I. On February 25, 1917, a cool, snowy Sunday in Muskegon, Edward and Bertha (White) Paulson found reason to celebrate, with the birth of a baby boy, a son they named Glenn. Glenn grew up in Muskegon, where his father toiled as a hardworking cabinet maker, and his mother cared for their home. Glenn was a fun-loving boy right from the start, and made many friends at Muskegon Public Schools. After he graduated from Muskegon High School and Muskegon Community College, Glenn found good, honest work as a tool-and-die maker, and became a hardworking man, just like his father. He also met a woman named Elaine, fell in love, and started a family, too. Glenn was blessed with three wonderful children over the years, Ronald, Rebecca and Gary, who filled their fathers heart with pride and joy. Glenn was an excellent father, and shared a very close relationship with his children all their lives. Glenn provided well for his family, first as a tool-and-die maker, and later on when he went to work for the Department of Social Services, where he would remain for 17 years until he retired. Glenns marriage to Elaine eventually ended in divorce, though he wasnt meant to be alone for long. Glenn had a great passion for square dancing, one of his many hobbies, and one day he met a wonderful woman named Edith, after her square-dancing sister introduced them. Edith wasnt much of a square dancer, but she was a widowed parent of three children, just like Glenn, and they shared many other things in common. The sparks flew between them, they began dating, and were soon married in 1969, when Glenn was 52. Edith brought her kids William, Judith and Patricia into the marriage, and Glenn treated her children like his own. Edith also became very interested in square dancing, supporting her new husbands passion, and together they became very avid dancers, traveling around to dance, and they even had all the fancy outfits, too! It was great fun for the both of them. The couple lived in a lovely home at 6257 Henry Street in Muskegon, just a stones throw from Hoffmaster State Park, where Glenn often carried his grandkids home on his shoulders, as they clung to his ears for support! Glenn was passionate about his favorite sport, golf, and spent many summer days playing. He shared his love for the game with his grandson Mike, who he patiently taught to play. After Glenn retired, he had plenty of time for his many passions, including the wonderful garden he had at his home. He loved gardening, and took great pride in the things he grew. His flowers were especially beautiful, with his multitude of petunias, daisies, and Saluas painting every color of the rainbow in his backyard. He also kept a myriad of bird feeders in his yard, and also grew specific plants to attract butterflies, too, creating a veritable Garden of Eden at his home on Henry. Just as he did with all his passions, Glenn gladly shared his flowers and produce with all those around him, and gave his neighbors so many lovely bouquets over the years. They were very appreciative of his gifts, as well as his gardening talents. Glenn and his beloved Edith also traveled all over in retirement, visiting his kids and grandkids in California often. Theyd go to Disneyland, the Crystal Cathedral, Lake Tahoe, and even go play some of the slot machines, too. They went all over visiting their children and Grand children in Louisiana and even Glenns nieces and nephews in Texas, where they also went square dancing, of course! They traveled so often, they even bought a travel trailer to pull behind them to their destinations. They also wintered for one year in Arizona and for several years at a square dance camp in Florida. When he wasnt traveling, dancing, gardening or golfing, Glenn could be found enjoying time with Edith around the house, which he happily filled with song. Edith called him her Singing Husband, due to his prolific pastime. He had been in a barbershop quartet earlier in life, and sang enough for all four around their home! Hed sing every evening before bed, even making up songs along the way for his wifes amusement. When Glenns granddaughter Tracey stayed with them, he would often walk her up and down the house, singing to her until she could sleep. Glenn adored his grandkids and great-grandkids, who brought him so much pride and joy. He often took his granddaughters to ballet lessons, and theyd have to stop at the Whippi Dip for some ice cream on the way home! That was Glenn, though. He loved to bring others joy, loved to share his passions with all those around him, which made him so beloved by everyone who knew him. In 2007, Glenns health declined greatly, and the man who was once so strong had weakened. He was too weak to plant his beautiful flowers, but his neighbors, Maria and Paul, came to his aid. They knew how much he loved watching the flowers grow and bloom, so they planted the entire garden for him, a wonderful gesture he appreciated so much, and touched him so deeply. Sadly, Glenn died on Thursday, August 2, 2007, at the age of 90. Glenn was a wonderful man, who lived a wonderful life, a life so full of family, fond memories, and many passions. He loved to sing, he loved to dance, to garden, and to golf. Most of all, Glenn loved to share his life with those around him, as a beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend. Today his life, and love, lives on in all who knew him. He will be greatly missed. Glenn was preceded in death by his son Gary. Glenn is survived by his wife of 38 years, Edith; 2 children, Ronald (Christine) Paulson of Sunnyville, CA, and Rebecca (Donald) Schmitt of New Mexico; 3 step-children, William (Karen) Klemp of Muskegon; Judith Raymond; Patricia (Gary) Lamb of Muskegon; 6 grandchildren, 8 step-grandchildren; and several great grandchildren. Services are scheduled for Tuesday, August 7, 2007 at Clock Chapel Muskegon at 11:00 a.m. Visitation is from 10-11 a.m. on the day of the service. Reception at Clock Family Center following. Internment at Lakeside Cemetery at 1:30 p.m. for the family, with Rev. Tim Vander Haar presiding. To share a memory or photo of Glenn, or to sign his online guestbook, please visit his Memory Page at www.lifestorynet.com.