Paulson, Theodore F.

Theodore F. Paulson passed away peacefully on Monday, Dec. 26, 2011, at Cottage Grove Place in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

He was born Dec. 22, 1921, in Cedar Rapids, to Oscar Fritjof and Florence G. Paulson. He was a lifetime resident of Cedar Rapids. Ted was a veteran of World War II, serving his country in New Guinea as a captain in the Engineering Corps. He graduated from Iowa State University with a degree in Civil and Structural Engineering and Architecture and went to work for Howard R. Green Company. He joined his father in the construction business in 1951 and became president of O.F. Paulson Construction Co. in 1979. He served on the board of directors of Master Builders of Iowa and was president in 1979. He was a member of the American Institute of Architects.

Ted is survived by sons, Frank Mitvalsky (Cheryle) of Cedar Rapids, and Fritz (Ann) Paulson of Marion; daughters, Karen Mitvalsky Reichard of Des Moines, and Dessa (Wendell) Paulson Goddard of Berkeley, Calif.; nephew, Gerald (Dee) Sullivan of Cedar Rapids, their daughters, Tricia (Ted) Borelli and Megan (Mike) Beemblossom; niece, Kathy Sullivan; stepdaughter, Barbara Clark; grandsons, Rich (Loretta) Mitvalsky, Tad Paulson, Mit (Kara) Mitvalsky, Tanner Paulson and Colin Clark; granddaughters, Kim (David) Reichard Switalsky, Kelly (David) Reichard Mathews and Elizabeth Clark; and five great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Ruth whom he married on June 11, 1947, she passed away in February 1995. He married his second wife, Marjorie Flannery, on July 9, 1998. She died in July 2010.

Ted will be remembered as a 32nd degree Mason through Mount Hermon Lodge, recipient of the Red Hat, Knights Commander of the Court of Honor of Scottish Rite Masonry and a Jester. Ted was chairman of the Cedar Rapids City Planning Commission for many years. He was a board member for Cedar Rapids Country Club and a founding board member of Cottage Grove Place.

Ted was a constant seeker of knowledge with an unending curiosity for the future. He never quit learning. He loved telling jokes. He shared his love for life with everyone he met. He loved building design and was a fine woodworker. He will be greatly missed. He loved his family unconditionally.

A private family service will be held at a later date.

Memorials may be made to the Paulson Family Endowment for Camp Tanager at 2309 C St. SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404.

The family wants to pay special thanks to Julia Sexton, to Krista Woltman and her staff of caregivers and the entire staff of Cottage Grove Care Center for their loving care of Ted.

Published in The Gazette Dec. 28, 2011.