Thomas M. Paulson, 80, of Austin, Minnesota, passed away peacefully from complications of congestive heart failure on Monday, Dec. 23, 2019, surrounded by loved ones at his home.

He was born on Nov. 15, 1939, in Garner, Iowa, to Melvin and Agnes (Miller) Paulson. They moved to Austin when Tom was nine. Tom graduated from Austin High School in 1957 and then attended Austin Junior College. On March 3, 1958, he married Phyllis Christofferson in Austin. Together they raised four children. Tom then began a 40-year career with Hormel Foods, starting as a foreman and moving into sales. He held sales positions in Florida, Ohio and Minneapolis. While in Ohio, Tom served as president of the Canfield Kiwanis Club and was involved in the

Special Olympics program. After retiring and returning to Austin, he was an active member of First United Methodist Church, where he served as financial secretary for several years. Tom also served on the board of St. Mark’s Nursing Home. Tom enjoyed a second career serving as a funeral assistant for almost 10 years at Worlein Funeral Home. Tom enjoyed working in his yard, which was pristine. He loved entertaining and cooking. He was especially known for his delicious barbeque ribs. Tom’s greatest joy was his family; he was so proud of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

Survivors include his loving wife of 62 years, Phyllis (Christofferson) Paulson; two daughters, Kim Cambias and Kelly (John) Downey; son, Brian Paulson; 15 grandchildren, Jennifer (Mike) Whelan, Alyson (Goodrich) Wright, Kelly (David) Miles, Timothy Cambias Jr., Katie (Matt) Morgan, Christy (Scott) Rogne, Stephanie (Ty) Kennedy, Jeffrey Cochran, Josh Downey, Melissa Downey, Zach (Brooke) Downey, Hannah Paulson, Brendan Paulson, Emma Paulson and Thomas Paulson; 21 great-grandchildren; and sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Sharon (Keith) Barnes, Delores Moe and Mary (Jim) Herrick. He was preceded in death by his parents, Melvin and Agnes Paulson; stepfather, Ray Wagner; sister, Janice Nixon; and son, Michael Paulson, in 2016.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 27, 2019, at First United Methodist Church in Austin. Visitation will take place for two hours prior to the service on Friday at the church. Interment will be in Oakwood Cemetery in Austin. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be given in Tom’s memory to Mayo Clinic Hospice Austin, 200 First St. SW, Rochester, MN 55905. Worlein Funeral Home of Austin is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.worlein.com.