Marlene Kay Paulson

Marlene Kay (Anderson) Paulson, 87, of Austin, Minnesota, died Tuesday, November 10, at South Grove Lodge in Austin.

She was born February 8, 1939, in Austin, to Edward and Eleanor (Alberts) Anderson. Marlene graduated from Austin High School in 1957. She married Gayle Paulson, the love of her life, on June 15, 1957, at St. Olaf Lutheran Church in Austin. Their love story began at the Terp Ballroom, where they danced to Jules Herman. They celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary before Gayle passed away in 2017. 

Marlene worked in Grocery Products Accounting at Hormel Foods from 1956 to 1996. She was a lifelong member of St. Olaf Lutheran Church, where she set up communion, participated in WELCA, and enjoyed making lefse with family and friends. She enjoyed spending time with family and friends, attending church, fishing, and volunteering at the Hospital Coffee Shop. Marlene and her family camped and fished on Mille Lacs Lake for more than 50 years.

Marlene had a special gift for friendship and was surrounded by friends of all ages. She loved making cappuccino while catching up and sharing a good story and a laugh. Her kindness was returned many times over by the loyal friends who helped her remain independent in her later years. 

Her family and friends meant the world to her. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, Gigi (great-grandmother), and friend. Marlene was often the first to know the latest family news, loved showing everyone her family photo books, and was always there for life's important moments. Marlene made her family and friends feel loved and cared for through her cooking, spending time together, and regular phone calls when they were apart. Her legacy lives on in the family she loved, the friendships she cherished, and the countless ways she showed up for those who mattered most to her. 

Marlene is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Sheryl (Paulson) and David Greening of Bradenton, Florida; her son and his fiancée, Mark Paulson and Karen Salm of Clintonville, Wisconsin; grandchildren Christine (Greening) and Michael Nelson of Minnetonka, Kevin and Sarah (Dewitt) Greening of Chaska, and Noah and Megan (Beining) Paulson of Green Bay, Wisconsin; great-granddaughters Annika and Maya Nelson of Minnetonka, and Blair and Merridith Greening of Chaska; other family members; and many friends. 

She was preceded in death by her husband, Gayle Paulson, and her parents, Edward and Eleanor (Alberts) Anderson. 

Memorial services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, November 23, 2026, at Worlein-Hoff Funeral Home in Austin, with Pastor Stacy Malzhan officiating. The visitation will take place from 4:00-6:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 22, at Worlein-Hoff Funeral Home in Austin and will continue for one hour prior to the service. Memorials are preferred to the St. Olaf Lutheran Church General Fund or to the donor’s preference. Worlein-Hoff Funeral Homes of Austin are assisting the family with arrangements.