William Robert “Bill” Paulsen

William Robert “Bill” Paulsen, 73, of Washburn passed away on Friday, April 17, 2026. He was born on Sept. 22, 1952 in Worthington, Minn. the son of Robert Paulsen and Mary Lou (Munsell) Paulsen. 

In the summer of 1970, he moved to Pea Ridge, Ark. with his family to attend the University of Arkansas. He met the love of his life, Mona, in 1971 and married on Jan. 2, 1972 in Aurora. In 1973, they moved to Washburn, where they resided for the next 53 years of their marriage on the farm they loved.

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 and great-grandchildren.

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

The family will receive friends from 5-7 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 in memory of Bill.