E. Donald “Don” Paulsen, 94, a lifelong resident of Cassopolis, left this life peacefully Saturday, July 12, 2025 in the comfort of his family’s presence. His life began May 14, 1931 in Cassopolis, Michigan, the older of two sons born to Edward and Kathleen Paulsen. He graduated from Cassopolis High School in 1949, and in 1950 married his high school sweetheart, Sharon Snyder. They had four children together – Donald A., Mary, Judy, and Peggy.
Don was an avid hunter and fisherman, and loved spending time with his family and friends at their cabin near Luther, Michigan. There, he shared his love of the outdoors with his children, and taught them how to take care of themselves. He wanted them to be strong, independent, and self-sufficient, and lead by example.
His true passion was being a firefighter and arson investigator with the Penn Township Volunteer Fire Department. Don spent fifty years in that capacity, and prided himself on taking training on every aspect of firefighting. As Fire Chief, he continued making improvements to the Fire Department and training the other volunteers until he was no longer able to do so. The firemen he worked with were his second family, and proudly and lovingly called him “Uncle Don.”
As much as he loved the fire department, nothing was more important to him than his family. Don was happiest when they were all together, laughing, joking, and telling stories. Even in his last hours, family and friends were with him, laughing and telling stories.
Don is survived by his wife of nearly seventy-five years, Sharon Paulsen; his four children Donald A. (Cathy) Paulsen, Mary (Tom) Tinker, Judy Paulsen, and Peggy Ayers; twelve grandchildren, Rob Paulsen, Tim Paulsen, Susan (Rick) Staffen, Kathy (Kevin) Lewinski, John (Tina) Tinker, Jennifer Carnahan, Sarah (Tony) Ayers, Dylan (Heather) Ayers, Eric Carnahan, Lyndsy Paulsen, Eric (Lisa) Helfrich, Bryan (Lyndsey) Helfrich; ten great-grandchildren, Phillip Staffen, Alexandra (Alex) Lewinski, Mia Paulsen, Lexi Paulsen, Sebastian Tinker, Killian Tinker, Henry Tinker, Bianca Helfrich, Caleb Helfrich, Myles Helfrich; sister-in-law, Sara Heuer; and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews and other extended family.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Adam and Irene Greenawalt, mother and step-father, Kathleen and Earl Smith, loving brother, Dean Paulsen, and son-in-law, Bill Ayers.
Don will be laid to rest in a private family graveside service in Young’s Prairie Cemetery in his beloved Penn Township.
Family and friends will gather to celebrate Don’s life Wednesday, July 16, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. for a time of sharing memories and telling stories in the Penn Township Hall, 60717 South Main Street (two blocks south of M 60) in Vandalia.
The family prefers contributions in memory of Don be made to Penn Township Fire Department, c/o Penn Township, Post Office Box 69, Vandalia, Michigan 49095.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Wagner Family Funerals Connelly Chapel, Cassopolis. Please share a memory or a message online: wagnercares.com.
Services
Gathering of Family and Friends
Wednesday
July 16, 2025
1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Penn Township Hall
60717 South Main Street
Vandalia, MI 49095
Posted On: Monday, July 14, 2025 3:50 PM
