Frances M. "Pete" (Petersen) Paulsen, age 93, passed away peacefully at Valley View Villa in Ft. Morgan, CO, on the morning of March 1 ^st , 2020.

She was born to Carl and Gertrude Petersen on June 29 ^th , 1926, in the rural community of Sexton, IA. She later moved to Reinbeck, IA, where she attended high school and met her husband, Jay, "Jake" Paulsen. After high school the two wed on New Year's Eve 1943, and they soon began their family. She was wonderfully devoted to her 6 children Joe, Kim, Phillip, Curtis, Cheryl, and Kari.  Her love for the farm took her, Jake, and the six kids to places like Louisiana, Arkansas, and Oskaloosa Iowa. She took great pride in caring for others while often mentioning how happy she was to be part of such a wonderful family.

She was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church. She held a strong determination for farm life and homemaking; while enjoying the splendor of cooking and baking for friends, neighbors, schools/community, bake sales, and other special events. Frances was a self-taught musical enthusiast; lending her unique gift of playing by ear to those around her. She often played for her family, which was one of her favorite past times. Frances had a welcoming spirit. She led by example and was fiercely independent.

Frances was preceded in death by her husband of 67 years; Jay Calvin Paulsen, and their beloved daughter Kari Smith, a beautiful daughter-in-law, Janyce Paulsen, and four siblings; Leona Thomsen, Roy Petersen, Raymond Petersen, and Betty Petersen.

Frances is survived by her children Joe Paulsen (Mary), Kim Paulsen, Phillip Paulsen (JoBeth), Cheryl Becker (Daniel), Curtis Paulsen (Cindy), 15 grandchildren, 29 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great grandchild. All of these she loved deeply.

Family and Friends are invited to attend visiting hours on March 5 ^th , at Heer Mortuary in Brush, CO, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Please join us in celebrating her life on Friday, March 6 ^th , 2020, at 10:30 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church in Ft. Morgan, CO. A Reception will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church Parish Hall following the burial in the Brush Memorial Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggest donations be made to the Trinity Lutheran School and Church of Fort Morgan at 1215 W. 7 ^th Ave., Fort Morgan, CO  80701.