Herbert "Herb" H. Paulson

Herbert "Herb" H. Paulson

Herbert "Herb" H. Paulson, 88, of Langdon, ND and formerly of Neche, ND and Grand Forks, ND passed away Monday, November 7, 2011 in the Oak Crest Unit of 4000 Valley Square in Grand Forks.

Herbert Holmes Paulson was born June 17, 1923 in Bathgate, ND the son of Kalton "K.O." and Helen (Holmes) Paulson. He was raised in Bathgate and Neche. After the death of his father in February 1938, he moved with his mother and 2 sisters to Grand Forks. He graduated from Grand Forks Central High School in 1941 and later attended the University of North Dakota. He was a member of Beta Theta Pi Fraternity. His studies were interrupted when he enlisted in the United States Army Air Corps in October 1942. He reported to Jefferson Barracks in St. Louis, MO and continued advanced navigation training at San Marcos, TX. On January 27, 1943, he was commissioned a Second Lieutenant. He then reported to Westover Field MA for duty overseas. Herbert married Ruth Janet Hewitt of Grand Forks, ND in 1943 in Holyoke, MA. He was stationed at Goose Bay, Labrador, Iceland and finally to Atlbridge England. Herb flew 32 combat missions aboard a B-25 bomber between May 30, 1944 and September 22, 1944. He was honorably discharged from military service with the rank of Captain but remained in the Army Reserve. He was recalled to active duty in October 1951 during the Korean War and flew 30 combat missions aboard a B-29 bomber. On all 62 missions, he was the navigator for the crew. Again, he was honorably discharged from military service in October 1952.

After returning to civilian life, he continued his education at the University of North Dakota and began his banking career with First National Bank of Grand Forks. His banking positions included, President of Citizens State Bank of Neche, ND, President of Citizens State Bank of Pembina, ND, President of Citizens State Bank of East Grand Forks, MN, Vice-President of Citizens State Bank of Roseau, MN and President of Farmers and Merchants Bank of Langdon, ND.

Throughout his life, Herbert was community minded. As the Mayor of Neche, ND he was instrumental in negotiating the treatment of water used in Neche and Canada at the Neche Water Treatment Plant. He built the swimming pool there and paved the streets. He was a founding member of American Crystal Board. In Langdon, he helped established the city RV Park.

Herbert married Sherlee Rich Vosper in 1972. He retired in 1974. Sherlee preceded him in death in 2008. He enjoyed summers at the Lake of the Woods and his winter retirement years in Marco Island and Naples, FL.

He is survived by, his daughter, Ann Louise Paulson and her husband, Ramon Silva Hernandez of Minneapolis, MN; sisters, Louise Nord, Grand Forks, ND and Ruth Erickson, Boise, ID; nephews, Dr. John Nord, Dr. James Nord, Paul, Mark, John, Mitchel Erickson; a niece, Nicki Puccio and his former spouse, Ruth (Robert) Hewitt Bustin.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Sherlee; his parents; brothers-in-law, Dr. Oscar "Corky" Nord and Carl Erickson.

In lieu of flowers, please make contributions in Herbert's memory to the charity of your choice.

Memorial Service: 2:30 p.m. Saturday, November 12, 2011 in St. Alphonsus Catholic Church, Langdon, ND.

Family Greeting: One hour prior to the memorial service in the church on Saturday.

Interment: Memorial Park Cemetery North, Grand Forks, ND, at a later date.

Military Honors: At date of interment with members of the American Legion Post 157, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3817 and the North Dakota National Guard.

The online memorial registry may be signed at www.normanfuneral.com

(Gregory J. Norman-Norman Funeral Home, So. Washington St.)

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