Michael Thomas Paulson, 52, of Burnsville, Minnesota, died Wednesday, Feb. 10, 2016, at Fairview Ridges Hospital in Burnsville, surrounded by his loving family and caring staff.

He was born March 11, 1963, in Austin, Minnesota, the son of Tom and Phyllis (Christofferson) Paulson. Michael attended Oak Grove Activity Center and graduated from Leonard Kirtz School in Canfield, Ohio, in 1984. He worked at the Mahoney County Workshop before moving with his family to Lakeville, Minnesota, in 1993. Michael lived at the Kennelly Home in Burnsville since 1994 and worked at the Midwest Specialty Workshop. He was active in the Burnsville community, volunteering his time walking dogs at the Burnsville Humane Society, delivering Meals on Wheels, and shredding paper at Dakota Communities. Michael was honored as Volunteer of the Month in 2009. Among his favorite leisure activities were watching sports and working puzzles. Michael’s greatest joy was gathering with his family. He loved social activities, especially visiting zoos and eating out. Michael had a gentle spirit and he loved his family very much. He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Michael is survived by his parents Tom and Phyllis Paulson of Austin; his siblings: Kimberly (Tim) Cambias of Atlanta, Georgia, Kelly (John) Downey of Austin, Minnesota, and Brian (Jill) Paulson of Kenyon, Minnesota; aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, friends and his special friend and caregiver Aaron Oden.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents: Ray and Agnes Wagner, and Ray and Esther Christofferson.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 13, 2016, at the First United Methodist Church in Austin with the Rev. Dennis Tamke officiating. Interment will follow at Oakwood Cemetery. There will be a visitation from 3 to 6 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 12, 2016, at Worlein Funeral Home in Austin and one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday. Memorials can be directed to the First United Methodist Church or Living Well Communities at 680 Oneill Drive, Eagan, MN 55121. Services prearranged and performed by Worlein Funeral Home of Austin. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.worlein.com.