Herbert Paulsen Obituary

Herbert A. "Herb" Paulsen, 93, a lifelong resident of Arco, Idaho, passed away Sunday, February 2, 2014, at Lily and Syringa Care Center in Idaho Falls.

He was born in Arco on June 25, 1920, to Paul M. and Anesia Tiedeman Paulsen. He had an older brother, Earl "Unc"; a younger sister, Helen; and a younger brother, Max.

As a youth, Herb and "Unc" spent countless summer days exploring the Big Lost between Box Canyon and town, hunting, fishing and who knows what else. Herb loved to hunt and fish the Big Lost and Little Lost River ranges, and he was especially fond of giving salmon and steelhead a run for their money.

Herb married Iona Baker on June 22, 1939, in Arco, where they resided and raised their family. They were blessed with three children, Ray (Linda) Paulsen of Manzanillo, Mexico, Mark (Sherry) Paulsen of Idaho Falls and Marsha (Butch) Godwin of Kamiah, Idaho. Iona passed away in 1986.

Herb worked in a bakery while going to high school. He learned the skill of pastry making and treated his family on special occasions. Following high school, Herb worked for Boise Cascade Lumber Co. in Arco.

He was drafted into the Army during World War II, where he served as a sergeant in the Philippines and Korea. Following his discharge from the Army, he owned and operated Herb's Sport Shop, where he sold hunting and fishing gear. The Sport Shop was a popular hangout for hunters, fisherman and the high school crowd.

In 1956, Herb closed his Sport Shop and went to work at the Naval Reactor Facility on the Arco Desert. He enjoyed his work, along with the people he worked with. He retired after 29 years.

Carpentry was Herb's hobby and part-time job. He remodeled a number of homes in Arco. Later in life, Herb developed a talent for making custom fly and steelhead rods. Many of his friends and family members have custom rods he built for them.

Herb served on the Selective Service Draft Board for a number of years. He was elected to the Arco City Council, where he served for many years.

Herb and Iona loved to camp and fish with family and friends along the Salmon River. Herb's love for fishing has been passed down to his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who have many fond memories of their grandfather.

Herb was a member of the LDS Church.

Herb was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Iona; his brother, Earl "Unc"; sister, Helen; and a grandson, Brandon Paulsen.

He is survived by his children, 10 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

The family would like to thank the staff of Lily and Syringa Care Center in Idaho Falls for the loving care they provided Herb this past year.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, February 8, at the Arco Ward LDS Chapel with Bishop Matt Nelson conducting. A viewing will be held one hour prior to services. Interment will be in Hillcrest Cemetery under the direction of Anderson Family Funeral Home.

Family Tribute