Debra “Debbie” Jean Paulson, 66, a Crookston, MN native and lifelong resident, passed away at RiverView Health early Thursday evening with some family by her side, January 6, 2022, after a brief illness. 
Debbie was born on July 13, 1955 to Donald and Delores (Eck) Strommen. She was baptized and confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church and raised with her 4 brothers in a busy household. Debbie attended Crookston schools and in 1973 graduated from Central High School. After spending a short time in California she enrolled at the University of Minnesota in Crookston, earning an Associate degree in Early Childhood Development. On October 16, 1976 she was united in marriage to Larry Duane Paulson at Trinity and they had been very comfortably settled in their Riverside Avenue home since that time. Debbie later began working at the Crookston’s Eagles Aerie where she was very popular with the Club’s patrons. After 20 plus years at the Eagle’s, Debbie began employment with the Sisters of Saint Benedict in the dietary department of the Monastery, remaining there until her retirement.
Reading was a favorite pastime for Debbie and led her to becoming a frequent volunteer for the Agassiz Public Library. Favorite memories were of yearly Eagle’s bowling trips and occasional visits to the casino to play triple diamonds, her slot machine game of choice. Debbie enjoyed watching cable tv programming, especially Hallmark movies, and solving crossword puzzles. She loved visiting on the telephone, but almost exclusively on her landline, because she wasn’t a big fan of cellphones. You could always find Widman’s chocolates in her purse. Debbie was also a longtime member of the Eagles Auxiliary.
Debbie is survived by Larry, her husband of 45 years; her mother, Delores Strommen of Crookston; and 2 brothers, Danny Strommen and Doug Strommen of Crookston. She also leaves nieces and nephews: Amanda Strommen, Ashley (Aaron) Gagner, Ross (Jim) Strommen, Zach Strommen, Brock Strommen, Aryanna Ostgaard, Cyrina Ostgaard, Gabriella Ostgaard, and Melanie Newcombe; her great-nieces and nephews who brought a twinkle of pride to her eyes: Aadin, Adley, and Ames Gagner and Kendra Strommen; and 2 brothers-in-law, Brad Paulson and Jeff Paulson. She was preceded in death by her father, Donald Strommen; brothers, Dale and Dave Strommen; parents-in-law, Delmer and Eunice Paulson; and sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Natalie and Kent Ostgaard. Debbie’s memory will be forever treasured by all who were a part of her life.
The Memorial Service in remembrance of Debra Jean Paulson will be held at 1:00 p.m., Friday, January 14, 2022, the Stenshoel-Houske Funeral Home with Celebrant Trey Everett, officiating. Visitation with the family will be for one hour before the service. To view the livestream go to Debbie’s obituary page at www.stenshoelhouske.com 10 minutes before the scheduled start and click on the prompt to view. In lieu of flowers please consider a memorial in Debbie’s name to Crookston’s Eagles Aerie #873 or the Agassiz Public Library.
Special thanks to the wonderful staff of the RiverView Health Emergency Department for the care and comfort given to Debbie and the compassion extended to her family at a very difficult time.
Online registry and messages of sympathy may be given at www.stenshoelhouske.com
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