Kenneth Peter Paulsen, age 83, died unexpectedly on July 16, 2025, near Socorro, N. Mex., while traveling from Tucson, Ariz., to Minnesota.
Ken was born on January 20, 1942, in Ostrander, Minn., to Hans and Alice Howard Paulsen. He graduated from LeRoy High School in 1960 and served in the United States Army as a radar specialist from 1964 until 1966. While serving in Korea, he met his wife, Chong Ok and they were married on December 30, 1965. Ok passed away on March 13, 2013. After his Army service, he was employed at IBM in Rochester, Minn., until his retirement. Ken and Ok lived in Ostrander, Stewartville, and Rochester before selling their home and purchasing a fifth wheel RV so they could travel. Colder months were spent in Tucson, Ariz., and they made their way back to Minnesota for a short time each summer.
Ken is survived by two sisters, Carol Lenz and Sue (Tom) Fowler, all of Spring Valley, sister-in-law Lydell (Brett) Reinardy of Hampton, and many nieces and nephews.
Ken was preceded in death by his wife Chong Ok Paulsen, his parents Hans and Alice Paulsen, his brothers Earl Paulsen and Paul Paulsen, and a brother-in-law, Marv Lenz. A graveside service at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Preston will be held 3 p.m. Friday, August 15, 2025.