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247 North Broadway, Turlock, CA 95380

Richard “Dick” Douglas Paulson March 17, 1936 - December 5, 2018

Richard "Dick" Douglas Paulson

 March  1936 – December 2018_x000D_
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Dick Paulson, a resident of Turlock, passed away peacefully with his wife and his family, including his beloved sister, Judy Lipstein (Michael, Manhasset, New York) by his side.  Dick fought courageously through the difficult process of prostate cancer before the Lord relieved him of his pain and difficulties.  God welcomed him to heaven on the afternoon of December 5, 2018.

Dick was born to Edward and Jackie Paulson in LA County.  Dick and his younger sister Judy Lipstein grew up in Covina before the family moved to Turlock.   The family owned and operated West Main Market where he worked side-by-side with his parents.  He graduated from Turlock High School in 1954 and later went on to Modesto Junior College where, as a student bus driver, he met his bride, Margaret Peterposten. Dick was the second generation to graduate from Turlock High and his children would later graduate as the third generation.

In 1960 Dick and Margaret were married in Sacred Heart Church and had five children: MaryLiz Pugh (Rod, Elk Grove, CA), Marcia Jennings (Dennis, Fresno, CA), Dave Paulson (Judy, Elk Grove, CA), Monica Skarpnes (Erik, Caldwell, Idaho) and Daniel Paulson (Sacramento, CA).  He has 8 grandchildren and 1 great-grandson.

After MJC Dick entered into the Air Force where he began a 21-year career as a navigator, promoting through the ranks until he retired as a Major in 1979.  Atypical of most in the Air Force, Dick was stationed at two stateside location – Minot, North Dakota and Dover, Delaware – during his 21-years as a navigator for B-52s, C-141s, and ultimately the C-5A Galaxies.  Additionally, Dick had an overseas assignment for a year, where he was remotely stationed in Korea.

Following his retirement from the Air Force in 1979, Dick and his family moved back to California and landed in Turlock, CA.  He started his second career with Foster Farms, where worked for an additional 20 years.  Originally working in administration, Dick found his calling at Foster Farms’ feed mill in Delhi where he was a manager for most of time with Foster Farms.

After retiring from Foster Farms, Dick looked forward to sharing and experiencing world travels together with Margaret.  They had many international adventures but some of his fondest were times spent in Switzerland, Israel, European cruises, and most recently the beaches of Normandy. Dick was an avid reader and a history enthusiast, so the trip to Normandy was a lifetime dream.  Locally, his geographic loves were Monterey and Lake Tahoe.  He was very active and enjoyed bowling, playing pickle ball, Sons in Retirement (SIRS) and participating in lay ministries at Sacred Heart Catholic Church.  His faith and family meant everything and he took great pride in celebrating his children’s activities.  He was incredibly proud of each of his children and was the happiest at family celebrations.

A rosary and vigil will be held at Allen Mortuary in Turlock on Wednesday, December 19th with a viewing from 5:00 to 7:00 pm and vigil services beginning at 7:00 pm. On Thursday, December 20th a military honors presentation with a 21-gun salute will be held at the “Fountain” at Turlock Memorial Park at 11:00 am. Immediately following the military honors, mass and funeral services will held at noon at Sacred Heart Church in Turlock.  A reception and a celebration of life will be held at the Event Center at Allen Mortuary following the funeral services. 

The family asks that in lieu of flowers, a gift be made to Fisher House, Stanford Cancer Research, or UCSF Cancer Research.

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Condolences(8)

  1. Nicole Finnegan says

    My condolences go to Margaret and family for the loss of such a lovely, caring man. I have just found out about Dicks passing.
    I am one of the fortunate ones to have known him for several years as his hairstylist. I will miss his words “I look forward to seeing you Nicole” as we finished our scheduling call.

    You will be missed…..

  2. Monica Sliva says

    Richard was a caring, kind, & generous person. I learned so much from him as a eucharistic minister. My condolences to his entire family.

  3. Gene A Gomes says

    I really got to know Dick years ago as he hosted a small bible study group of men at his home during the “Promisekeepers” movement. Dick was such a wonderful man. My condolences to Margaret and his family.

  4. Gena Barrington Larson says

    Dear Margaret and Family,

    I am so very sorry to hear about Dick – your beloved husband, father, and grandfather. My heart hurts for you in this time of tremendous loss.

    I count it a blessing to have known him and his love and kindness – for me and for all who encountered him. He was a great example of a man who valued faith, family, friends, and yet-to-be friends.

    My love, sympathy, and prayers are with you.

    With deep condolences to all,
    Gena

  5. Mary Lou Cederlind says

    Dick was always so kind. I got to know him when he worked at the
    Foster Farm feed mill, on Collier rd.
    I’m praying for your family as you grieve his passing. I enjoyed knowing him & his kindness.

    Mary Lou Cederlind (Cederlind Farms)

  6. Melissa Hackwell-Clark says

    My heart is full of such emotion,he was not just a wonderful neighbor to my folks for 40 years but a valued friend to them as well. Always a smile and a hello making sure to greet me and ask how I was doing. Heaven gained a beautiful soul. My deepest condolences to the entire family.

  7. Peggy Jenkin says

    I will always remember Dick’s smile, his calming voice and his concern for Margaret. An inspiration to all. He was a dedicated volunteer and will be greatly missed, especially by his family.

  8. Mike Scheuber says

    My condolences to the entire family for your loss. I had the pleasure of working with Dick at Foster Farms from 1989 until his retirement. I admired his dedication, work ethic and his cheerful outlook.

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