Bart Paulsen
Bart D. Paulsen, age 61, of Stockton, passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 17, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. A visitation was held from 4-7 p.m. on Wednesday, May 21, at Bentley Funeral Home, Durant. A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Thursday, May 22 (today), at St. Matthew Lutheran Church, Davenport. Burial will take place at the Durant Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Durant Firefighters, Inc. Online condolences may be left at www.bentleyfuneralhome.com.
Bart was born on April 6, 1964, the son of Darwin and Sandra (Wolf) Paulsen in Davenport. He graduated from Durant High School with the Class of 1982. In 1984, Bart earned his associate’s degree from Hawkeye Community College in Waterloo. Bart married Linda Ruess on Oct. 6, 1984, in West Liberty.
Bart dedicated his life to farming, a calling that not only defined his career, but also reflected his strong work ethic and love of the land. Beyond the fields, Bart was deeply involved in his community. He was a proud member of the Wilton Masonic Lodge, a Son of the American Legion in Durant, and a passionate supporter of local athletics, having served as past president of the Durant Athletic Boosters. A devoted father and grandfather, Bart found joy in the simple things - camping trips with his kids, coaching their sports teams, and attending countless school events and sporting competitions for his grandchildren. He enjoyed Iowa wrestling meets and attending NASCAR races in Michigan with his dear friend, Chuck Rogers. Bart loved cheering on his favorite baseball team, the Chicago White Sox. He also enjoyed family grill nights, trips to the Kalona Sale Barn with his grandkids, and playing games around the kitchen table. Whether it was a heated match of Sequence or the card game “7s,” Bart’s competitive spirit and laughter were always at the heart of it. Above all, Bart was a family man. His legacy lives on through the values he instilled, the memories he created, and the love he gave.
Bart will be dearly missed by his loving wife, Linda; four children, Kelli Paulsen of Wilton, Katelyn (Aaron) Ellenberg of Stockton, Kyle (Hannah) Paulsen of Wilton, and Kurt (Allison) Paulsen of Stockton; seven grandchildren, Karson, Kennedy and Kynlie Ellenberg, Brody and Jace Paulsen, and Emma and Eli Paulsen; two sisters, Shelley (Doug) Lincoln of Stockton, and Darcy (Pat) Cowan of Ankeny; many nieces and nephews; and an uncle, Dennis (Launa) Wolf of Walcott.
Bart was preceded in death by his parents; and his canine companion, Duke.
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