Bill Paulsen

(From Fohn Funeral Home)

William Robert “Bill” Paulsen, 73, of Washburn, Missouri, passed away on Friday, April 17, 2026 at home surrounded by his loving family.

He was born on September 22, 1952 in Worthington, Minnesota, the son of Robert Paulsen and Mary Lou (Munsell) Paulsen.

In the summer of 1970, he moved to Pea Ridge, Arkansas with his family to attend the University of Arkansas. He met the love of his life, Mona, in 1971 and married on January 2, 1972 in Aurora, Missouri. In 1973, they moved to Washburn, Missouri where they resided for the next 53 years of their marriage on the farm they loved. Bill was an avid cattleman and caretaker of all livestock. He had a love for horses and music and was a poet of folk songs. He loved to play his guitar and sing his songs. 

In 1974, they had the first of their 4 children, Heather. Sara was born in 1976. Jill came along in 1977. Then came Jesse in 1984 to complete their family. Bill and Mona spent their early years raising their 4 kids and instilling the value of family love into each of them. He was the best dad who never failed to make time for each of his kids and to tell them how proud he was and how much he loved them. Even in the long days of farm life, he made sure to make time for the family at night. It wasn’t often he missed dinner with his family as ending the evening together was a priority. He also instilled the value of hard work (his famous words were “Work hard, play hard”), his love of God, his passion for family and his ability to have a good time in all of his kids. He was the best man who could “learn you a thing or two about a thing or two.”

In 2002, Bill and Mona started on a new adventure when their first grandchild was born. Over the next 11 years, they welcomed an additional 9 grandkids to the mix. Being a Papa was one of Bill’s greatest joys in life, and those kids all adored their Papa. One of the favorite memories the grandkids talk about is Papa’s love of storytelling. He spent a lot of time over the last few years watching the grandkids in their activities or fishing and hunting with them. His favorite gift from them was when they came up with his favorite song, “Nanny and Papa.”

Preceding him in death were his parents, Robert Paulsen and Mary Lou (Munsell) Mathias; his stepdad, Bob Mathias; his in-laws, Albert and Helen (Galloway) Samsel; his brothers-in-law, Larry Samsel and Ron Samsel; his special uncle, Bill Munsell, and a very special bonus kid, Jessica Ryan. 

Surviving are his loving wife of 54 years, Mona; his sister Marie (Jim) Stierle; his daughters, Heather (Clifty) Vanzandt, Sara (Adam) Burch, Jill (Jesse) Bray and his son Jesse (Amber) Paulsen; his 10 grandkids, Maddie Vanzandt, Myers Burch, Lucas Paulsen, Brendyn Paulsen, Jaxon Burch, BreeAhna Paulsen, Clancy Vanzandt, Rosabelle Burch, DeShon Bray and Gunner Paulsen; his bonus grandkids Ally Ribar, Lyric Bernard, Brooklynn Slye and Caydince Deere; his first great-grandkid, Lennox (Lenny) Paulsen. Other survivors include his special aunt Donna Munsell, brother-in-law John Samsel, sisters-in-law Linda Samsel and Suzy Samsel, several cousins, and lots of nieces and nephews he adored. He is also survived by many friends, especially James Rose and his cattle buddies.

In addition to his kids and grandkids, he was also a bonus dad and Papa to so many over the years. He was a man who led with love and had a way of making everyone feel special and loved. He gave the best hugs, had an infectious smile, a laugh like no other and an open door for all.

Although he will be missed, his legacy of love will be carried on forever.

A celebration of life will be held at 7:00 P.M. Thursday, April 30, 2026 at Fohn Funeral Home in Cassville. Ron Black will conduct the service.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 P.M. Thursday, April 30, 2026 at Fohn Funeral Home in Cassville.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Jessica Ryan Memorial Scholarship Fund.