Ivan Paulson, age 87, of Green Hills Retirement Community, died July 22, 2017 at Israel Family Hospice House in Ames. A gathering of friends and family will be held on Saturday, Aug. 12, 2017 at Green Hills Retirement Community 9:30 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. with a memorial service starting at 10:30 a.m. to share about Ivan's life. Burial will take place later at Nevada Cemetery.
Ivan W. Paulson was born May 18, 1930 in Harlan, Iowa the son of Ivan and Anna (Wunder) Paulson. The family moved to Nevada when he was in the 7th grade, then later moved to Southern California. Ivan graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School in Long Beach CA, in 1948. He received his BS in Genetics in 1955, a Masters in Plant Breeding in 1959 and his PhD in in Botany in 1962, all from Iowa State University. Ivan did a stint in the US Army during the Korean Conflict. He married Dorothy J. Penn on September 4, 1954 in St. Louis, MO. He taught at Iowa State and Chico State and worked as an agronomist for John Deere moving to the Davenport area in 1965, before he became a Financial Consultant with Merrill Lynch retiring in 1995. The couple moved to Eldridge, Iowa in 1977 where they lived on an acreage and enjoyed many years raising Shetland ponies, and enjoying their granddaughters before moving to Ames in 2002.
Ivan is survived by his brother Robert Paulson (Mary) of Corona, CA; sister, Virginia Dennis (Robert-deceased) of Durham, CA; sister, Dodie Vasey of St.Louis, MO; son, Bruce Paulson of Pleasant Valley, IA; daughter in-law, Janet Paulson (Gaylon-deceased) of Pella, IA, and five granddaughters: Susan Paulson of Kauai, HI; Anna Paulson of Seattle, WA; Katie Paulson of Des Moines, IA; Kristin Paulson of West Lafayette, IN; and Sarah Paulson of Pella, IA; cousin Ardis O'Dell of Iowa City, IA, and several nieces and nephews.
Ivan was preceded in death by his parents, Ivan and Anna Paulson, wife, Dorothy and son Gaylon.
Memorials may be directed to: Israel Family Hospice House, Ames, Iowa
Online condolences may be directed to:www.grandonfuneralandcremationcare.com
My family had known Ivan and his wife Dorothy for many years while living in the Quad Cities. I will forever be thankful to Ivan for his role is helping progress girls' athletics in the Pleasant Valley School District back in the early 1970s. Because of his vision and dedication while serving on the PV School Board, I and many other PV girls got opportunities to participate in new sports during the '70s, including 6-on-6 basketball. Playing for PV was a highlight of my high school years - thank you, Mr. Paulson! You are very missed as a friend and very, very appreciated as a visionary for change. My deepest condolences to the entire family.
Dear Janet and girls and Bruce, Ivan and Dorothy were such special friends. When my sons were young, we would go out for a visit and Ivan would show us the ponies and give the boys rides. We have several great photos with happy memories. All of you were the joy of their life. May God comfort you and give you many special memories as you morn his loss. Sincerely, Marta Brooks, Bettendorf, Iowa. (I taught at BHS in the Home Economics dept. with Dorothy)
I enjoyed working with Ivan at the Deere Engineering Research Center. Condolences to his family.
Neil West
I worked with Ivan at Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith from 1975 to 1979. I always enjoyed being with him. My sympathy on your loss. Michael G. Friedel
Bruce we are very sorry to have lost your dad! The last time I saw him was at Gaylan's funeral. I'm sorry to not be able to come this time. We will always remember the good times we had. Only Bob Frank I are left of the Deere Engineering Research Agronomy Dept.
Miriam and I send our condolences to you and all the rest of the family that Ivan loved so much.
Bill and Miriam Burrows
Visitation
Ames, Iowa 50014
Service
Ames, Iowa 50014
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