Rush Funeral Home Logo
Logo Image
(605) 859-2400 You can call us 24/7
Newsletter Get new obituaries by email
Search Search through the obituaries

Funeral services will take place on Tuesday, September 3, 2024 at 11:00 AM (Mountain).

St. Patrick's Catholic Church
Wall, South Dakota

Wall Cemetery
Wall, South Dakota
Visitation will be held one hour prior to the funeral service at the church.



Print Obituary

In memory of

Delmer Duane Paulsen

of Quinn, South Dakota, died on Wednesday, August 28, 2024 at Monument Health in Rapid City at the age of 87

Delmer D. Paulsen, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and dedicated community member, passed away peacefully on August 28, 2024. Born on December 16, 1936, in New Underwood, South Dakota, Delmer was the cherished son of Ben and Martha (Koopman) Paulsen.

Delmer spent his early years on farms near Wicksville, Owanka, and New Underwood before the family moved to a large stock ranch near Quinn, South Dakota, in 1949. In 1952, Delmer moved to the farm and ranch his parents purchased, which would ultimately become his own place. It was in Quinn where Delmer’s love for farming and ranching began to flourish. He graduated from Quinn High School in 1954, where he was an avid basketball player for the Quinn Tuplets.

After high school, Delmer served his country with honor as a combat medic in the U.S. Army. He was stationed in Germany for two years and later continued his service in the Army Reserve for an additional four years. After he completed his service, he became a member of VFW post 9120 of Quinn, SD. Upon leaving active duty, Delmer moved to Rapid City, where he worked for Pete Lien & Sons and served as a security guard during the construction of the Minuteman II missile sites.

In 1965, Delmer married Mary Alice Allbee of Maple Lake, MN and together they purchased the family’s farm and ranch, a place where they would raise their four children: David, Darren, Lynn, and Thomas. Delmer's dedication to farming was evident in the numerous accolades he received, including the Outstanding Young Farmer Award in 1970 and the prestigious South Dakota Farm Family of the Year Award in 1972. Delmer took pride in raising registered Hereford cattle for many years.

Delmer’s passion for snowmobiling began in 1972 when he purchased his first snowmobile, an Arctic Cat Panther. This purchase ignited a lifelong love for the sport, and Delmer remained an active participant in snowmobiling for the next 50 years. He was a proud member of the South Dakota Snowmobile Association for 40 years and was honored in the February 2019 issue of Sno Plainsman as one of the oldest SDSA members in the state.

Approximately 12 years ago, Delmer retired from the daily operations of the farm and ranch. He continued to reside on the farmstead, where he oversaw the land now rented to neighbors. He remained deeply connected to the land and community that had been such a significant part of his life.

Delmer is survived by his wife, Mary Paulsen, three children: Darren Paulsen (Jackie Jira) and their sons Dawson and Dreyson of Rapid City, SD; Lynn Blaseg (Mike) and their daughters Hannah and Callie of Colorado Springs, CO; and Tom Paulsen of Lead, SD. He is also remembered fondly by his nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, and his son, David.

Delmer’s legacy of hard work, dedication, and love for his family and community will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. He will be deeply missed.

Visitation was held one hour prior to the funeral service at the church.

Mass of Christian Burial was held 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, September 3, 2024 at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Wall with Father Jonathan Dillon as celebrant.

Interment with military honors followed at the Wall Cemetery.

Cards and memorials can be sent to:
528 44th Street
Rapid City, SD 57702



MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL
Tuesday, September 3, 2024 - 11:00 a.m.
St. Patrick's Catholic Church
Wall, South Dakota

CELEBRANT
Father Jonathan Dillon

MUSIC
Rita and Gene Patterson - Musicians
"Amazing Grace"
"On Eagle's Wings"
"How Great Thou Art"
"Song of Farewell"
"Make Me A Channel of Your Peace"

ALTER SERVERS
Wayne Shull - Dennis Wier

LECTORS
Hannah Blaseg - Callie Blaseg

GIFT BEARERS
Dawson Paulsen - Dreyson Paulsen

PALLBEARERS
Dawson Paulsen - Dreyson Paulsen - Hannah Blaseg
Callie Blaseg - Jem Kjerstad - Nathan Kjerstad
Todd Sieler - Kent Kjerstad

HONORARY PALLBEARERS
Lonnie Kjerstad - Theodore Kjerstad - Edgar Simon
Lawrence Schreiber - Richard Papousek - Mike Blaseg
Mike Heathershaw - Darel Kjerstad

INTERMENT WITH MILITARY HONORS
Wall Cemetery
Wall, South Dakota

  • THANKS FOR YOUR SERVICE ~ A VETERAN (9/5/2024)
  • Delmer was such a kind soul and a gentleman through and through. Sean and Bruce had good visits at the grocery store with him. He will be missed in our community. Our condolences and prayers for you all at this time. Today he rests in Paradise, Amen! ~ Bruce and Lynn Dunker & family Wall SD (8/31/2024)
  • Delmer was such a wonderful gentleman. Always enjoyed visiting with Delmer when he would be in town. We met when I worked at the PCA office in Philip years back. Gods blessings to all the family and your memories will help carry you through. ~ Shirley Dennis Philip, SD (8/30/2024)
  • Denmark you were a friend I always admired ~ Joseph Fradet 12126 Alex Guerrero El Paso, Texas 79936 (8/30/2024)
  • Family of Delmer Paulson, you are in my thoughts and Prayers. Sorry to hear of Delmer's passing. ~ Andrew Eisenbraun Rapid City, SD. (8/30/2024)
  • Delmer was always very pleasant and fun to visit with , he is going to be missed very much. ~ Jon Madsen New Underwood , SD (8/29/2024)
  • Such a good, kind man. Always so chipper and happy. ~ Norma Carson Wall (8/29/2024)
  • You are in our thoughts and prayers ~ Marie Reagle& Family Mission, SD (8/29/2024)
  • My Deepest Sympathy. Keeping all of you in my thoughts and prayers. ~ Fawna Geigle Sturgis (8/29/2024)