Duane Paulus

Duane “Jerry” Jerome Paulus, age 70, of Webster, passed away on Thursday, November 23, 2017 at the Minneapolis VA Hospital. Jerry was born in Siren on April 26, 1947, to parents Ival and Elaine (Witzany) Paulus. As a boy, he worked many hours in his family’s bakery and restaurant in Danbury. He graduated Webster High School in 1965. Jerry enlisted in the United States Navy in 1967 and served as a surveyor with the Seabees, spending a year in Vietnam before completing two tours in Antarctica at the South Pole. He was honorably discharged in 1971. On April 22, 1972, Jerry was united in marriage to Sylvia Mansfield at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Webster. Together they raised two children, Sarah and Michael. In 1974, Jerry graduated from UW–Platteville with a degree in Light Building Construction Design and Supervision. He and Sylvia eventually moved to Eau Claire where Jerry worked as a contractor and homebuilder for 25 years. In 1989, he served as President of the Eau Claire Area Homebuilders Association. He received many awards and accolades and was twice named Builder of the Year. In 1990, he launched his own company, JP Construction. In 1998, Jerry and Sylvia moved backed to Webster, where he continued building homes until he retired. In the last years of his life, Jerry enjoyed working part-time at Wayne’s Foods. Throughout his life, besides a deep love for laughing with friends and family, Jerry’s passions included hunting deer, fishing in all weather, woodworking, and spending time outdoors no matter the season. He felt truly at home in the woods. Jerry is preceded in death by his parents. Jerry is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Sylvia; Children, Sarah Hendrickson (Kevin Olson) and Michael (Shannon) Paulus; Grandchildren, Annika and Elissa Hendrickson, Eva and Sullivan Paulus; Sisters, Norma (Robert) Kellberg and Judy (Dale) Larson; Brothers- and Sisters-in-law, Darrell Mansfield, Martin (Kathy) Mansfield, Loren Mansfield, Carol (Gary) Peterson, and Kay Mansfield; and many special nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends. Jerry’s visitation will be held on Monday, November 27, 2017, from 4-7:00pm at the Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home in Webster. His Memorial Service will be held on Tuesday, November 28, 2017 at 11:00am (visitation from 10-11:00am) at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Webster, with Father Mike Tupa officiating. Interment will follow at Orange Lakeside Cemetery. Full military honors will commence at the graveside. A time of fellowship will follow at Whitetail Wilderness Bar & Grill in Webster. Honorary pallbearers are Gene Johnson, Don Anderson, Scott Heath, and John Fredrickson. Arrangements have been entrusted to Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home in Webster. Online condolences may be expressed at www.swedberg-taylor.com