Obituary
Richard “Gus” Lee Paulson
Richard “Gus” Lee Paulson, 79, of La Crosse, Wisconsin, passed peacefully on January 12, 2025. Born on January 20, 1945, in La Crosse, Wisconsin, to Raymond and Eldora (Thompson) Paulson, Gus was a source of laughter and love throughout his life.
After graduating from La Crosse Logan High School in 1963, Gus was drafted and proudly served in the U.S. Army. When he returned home, he happily married his high school sweetheart, Linda Jenks, on June 20, 1970.
Gus dedicated many years to BNSF Railway as a conductor, earning the admiration of his colleagues for his hard work and reliability. Always eager for the next adventure, he loved to hit the golf course and explore new places. After retirement, he and his wife enjoyed spending their winters in warmer climates, with a special love for Tucson, Arizona.
Gus was more than just a husband and father; he was a wonderful uncle and grandfather who brought joy to everyone around him with his big hugs, warm heart, infectious laughter, sage advice, and delicious sandbankkels. He was a true friend, always ready to lend a hand or share a smile, and he will be deeply missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.
He is survived by his loving wife, Linda, La Crosse; daughter, Dana (Mark) Hanson, Stanwood, WA; grandchildren Ava and Logan, Stanwood, WA; step-grandson Connor, Victoria, TX; brother Ronald (Sue) Paulson, La Crosse; and sisters Renee (Gary) Reuter, La Crosse and Raone (Steve) Miller, Aptos, CA; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and many special friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Rita (Dave) Asmus, and nephew, Jesse Reuter.
A celebration of Gus’s life will be held in the spring at Coulee Golf on May 17, where we can all come together to share our favorite memories and honor his wonderful spirit.
Coulee Region Cremation Group is assisting the family at this time.
Sad news to hear about my longtime friend Gus passing away. We spent many hours together on the golf course over the last 50 years.
RIP my friend, you will be missed by many!!
PS…We might have had 🍺🍺after golf??
Met Gus on my first student trip on BNSF in 1970.
He became a mentor, co-worker, golf partner, Happy Hour colleague. Since day one, I respected him for being true to himself and a friend to so many, and always treating both friends and foe with respect. A unique guy.
Oh my what a loss for all of the families and friends. Gus and Linda were so much more than partners in marriage. Always fun to be around. We will miss him ❤️
Worked with Gus for a long time and he always made work fun and also enjoyed playing some golf and having a few beers together . He will be missed. He always treated me with respect.
Always treated me with respect. Worked with Gus a long time. Fun fun fun. God Bless.
Very sorry to learn of the passing of Gus. Deepest sympathy to Linda and family. I played many rounds of golf with Gus and we could always count on at least one birdie per round, the nineteenth hole. R.I.P.
Linda, family and friends, I am so sorry to hear this. Prayers and thoughts to all of you. Lynette (Schaller) Neumann.
Looked up to Gus. Thankful for my friendship with Gus and Linda.
Gus and Linda and Karen and I went on many vacations together. Had many, many laughs with them. Also shared a room with Gus on many golf trips. He put up with some of my many mood changes on the course and always encouraged me regardless of my mood at the time. Always enjoyed the 19th hole with him. Miss you pal. RIP
Linda – so sorry to hear of the passing of Gus. Longtime friends with you guys and special memories through our daughter’s friendship. His smiling greeting will always be remembered. Thoughts and parayers are with you and Dana.
Linda, So sorry to hear of Gus passing, you and your family will be in my thoughts.