Wilbur Paulson

A third generation Rosalia farmer, grandson of Norwegian and German immigrants has completed his journey on Earth having plowed his last field! Wilbur was born at home NW of Plaza on February 22, 1927, to parents Raymen and Lydia (Leitz) Paulson and passed away on August 20, 2021. Wilbur's life changed dramatically when his mother Lydia passed in January of 1933.

Wilbur attended elementary school at the one room Fairview School West, a year at Spangle, and two years at Plaza before attending high school and graduating from Rosalia High school in 1944.

He proudly served his country at the end of WWII and was reactivated for two more years during the Korean War.

Wilbur met his future wife at a New Year's Eve dance at Ewan and married the love of his life, sole mate and life partner Elna Anne Sharp in 1954, soon after he was discharged from the Korean War. They made their new home West of Rosalia on the farm his grandfather plowed from sod.

Wilbur was a first, last, and always a farmer, and a real steward of the land. He started farming his own land in 1951. His love of the land resonated loudly with his sons who share his same passion. Wilbur was very good with livestock too! The cream check from three milk cows in his early married life provided steady cash flow important to a man with a family. He started raising beef cattle in the 60's and sold out his herd at the age of 72. He especially helped guide his sons with their FFA pig operation, helping them both obtain the Degree of American Farmer. He was especially proud of receiving the Rosalia FFA award of Honorary Chapter Farmer and the Washington State FFA Award of Honorary State Farmer. He often joked FFA stood for Father Farms Alone! He last drove a combine when 85 and spent a day on the tractor at the age of 89.

Wilbur worked off the farm for Cal-Farm Insurance during the 60's. During the 70' and 80's he was a professional driver for several Courier service companies. He made many friendships on his routes and really enjoyed the socialization.

Wilbur was a member of the Rockford VFW often being activated to March in the Rosalia Battle Days parade. He served a term as President of the Rosalia PTA. He was a long time Grange member, and the Rosalia IOOF. He was a member of the Rosalia Methodist Church for many years. He was a dedicated family man, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend to many.

Elna Anne preceded Wilbur in death after 62 years of marriage in 2017. Wilbur is survived by sons and their spouses, Kevin, and Helen, and Arlin, and Cindy. He is survived by five granddaughters, Erin Lundt, Marla Mathison, Stephanie Drake, Kimberly Robinson, and Kristin Paulson. He has five great grandsons and three great granddaughters. He was preceded in death by brother, Larry Paulson, and sister, Eileen Luding. He is survived by brothers Norman Paulson, Kenneth and Vada Paulson, sister Vonnie Kreider and sister-in-law Deloris Storment, and brother-in-law William Sharp. He is also survived by many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Interment will be at the Bethel cemetery in Steptoe on Saturday August 28th at 11 a.m. with a public graveside service with military honors. A 1 p.m. catered lunch and Celebration of Life will be at the Paulson Creek farm at 1612 West Babb Rd. Memorials may be made to the Rosalia FFA, Rosalia Fire and Ambulance, Rosalia IOOF cemetery or charity of donor's choice.