Lois Ann Paulsen

Lois Paulsen passed away February 22, 2026 in Grimes, Iowa.

Lois Paulsen (Miller) was born on April 6, 1930 to Roy and Catherine (Drealan) Miller on the family farm in Palmer, Iowa. She was the oldest of seven children and shared a close bond with her siblings: Jack Miller (deceased), Fr. Thomas Miller (deceased), Mary Storr (deceased), Patty Hudek (deceased), Jane Blanchard, and Dorothy Hilbrink.

She grew up on the family farm at a time when rural life was simple and demanding. The home had no electricity or indoor plumbing until rural electrification reached the area in the 1940s. Lois often credited her parents for instilling in her a strong work ethic, a deep devotion to family, and a steadfast Catholic faith that guided her throughout her life. She was a high achiever in school but also known by her peers as having a great sense of humor and fun -loving spirit.

She graduated from Pocahontas High School in 1947 and went on to earn an associate degree in business from Ottumwa Heights College in 1949. Her first job was as a bookkeeper at Holmes Lincoln Mercury in Waterloo, Iowa.

She married Louis Paulsen in 1951 and they had four children. In 1964, the family moved to West Des Moines, where she became active in her church and devoted herself to raising her four children. In 1968, her marriage to Louis ended and she took on the responsibility of raising the children as a single mother.

Determined to provide for her family, Lois was encouraged by her sister Dorothy—then a receptionist at the dermatology practice of Dr. Robert Schulze in Beaverdale, Iowa—to apply for a position as a physician’s assistant. She quickly discovered how much she loved working in the treatment rooms. With Dr. Schulze’s encouragement, she returned to school in 1975 at Des Moines Area Community College and earned her Licensed Practical Nurse degree in 1977.

During her thirty-year career, she built a distinguished and deeply fulfilling professional life working alongside the doctor. She excelled in her role and valued the opportunity to attend medical conferences that allowed her to travel and explore new places. She often spoke of Dr. Schulze as one of the most influential people in her life—her employer, mentor, and friend. At her memorial service she will be acknowledged for her lifetime of service by the Iowa Nursing Honor Guard.

Cooking and baking were among her great joys—skills she learned from her mother, who each day prepared meals on the farm for a large household that included seven children, hired hands, and family. Lois became especially known for her homemade bread, cinnamon rolls, cakes, and cookies.
She treasured her many friendships and enjoyed socializing and playing cards with dear friends, including Darlene and Joe Goodfriend (both deceased), Jan Sommer (deceased) and Pat and Dave (deceased) Soliday, among many others.

Lois took great pride in her home and garden and taught her children the importance of doing every task with care, pride, and perseverance. She was a devoted mother who supported her children in their school and extracurricular activities and was immensely proud that each of them went on to earn college degrees.
A loyal and trusted friend, Lois believed that friendship was a lifelong commitment. She was someone others could confide in without fear of judgment—a steady presence and a compassionate listener during difficult times. Her positive spirit, unwavering faith in God, and quiet strength made her an inspiration to many.

She had a lifelong devotion to animals and cared for many beloved cats and dogs over the years. She also had a love of music and square dancing. In her later years, she delighted in playing Rummikub, and completing up to ten crossword puzzles daily. She remained committed to her daily walks until two falls led to a decline in her health.

She is survived by her sons, Randy (LeAnn) Paulsen of Boone, IA, Mark Paulsen (Kristie) of Sacramento, CA, and Brian Paulsen (Sherri) of Minneapolis, MN; nine grandchildren, Justin Jobelius (Christina), Joseph Paulsen (Samantha), Krista Paulsen-Weisenberger (Brandon), Adam Paulsen (Soon), Lacy Cooke (Aaron), Zachary Isen (Eyal), Leigh Knopf, Jacob Knopf (Tia), Alisha Paulsen; and four great-grandchildren, Mirah Jobelius, Hana Paulsen, Lili Knopf and Elendil Cooke.

Lois was preceded in death by her parents, siblings previously mentioned and her beloved daughter, Gail Isen.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, March 21, 2026 at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines, Iowa. For those guests unable to attend the service will be livestreamed. A family private burial will take place at Linwood Park Cemetery in Boone, Iowa.

Memorial contributions may be directed to The Foodbank of Iowa.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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