Larry “Lard” Paulson passed away peacefully in his sleep on Saturday, March 8, 2025.

Lard was born on Jan. 2, 1939, in Barron, Wis., to Helmer (Himpy) Paulson and Marie Jensen Paulson.

Lard is survived by and will be greatly missed by his wife of 62 years, Sharon Vickers; and his five sons: Michael, Joseph, Dale (Robert), Daniel and Christopher (Tiffany). He will be remembered with love and laughter by his six grandchildren: Andrea, Alec, Hafeese, Crystal, Lexi and Jake; and three great-grandchildren: Chloe, Lily and Bryce.He is further survived by a sister Margaret; a brother Donald (Whitey); siblings-in-law Gloria, Russell (Jolene), Robyn (Joel) and Cynthia (Randy); as well as many, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by his father and mother; siblings Joan, Shirley, Richard (Pee Wee) and William (Bill); sisters-in-law Carol and Vicki; and others.

Lard enlisted in the Air Force in 1956, a year earlier than he was supposed to at the age of 17, stationed at Lincoln Air Force Base. He worked at American Hoist and Derrick and the University of Minnesota.

He worked many second jobs to help see that his family had all they needed. He had hopes of retiring at age 55, but alas, with this many mouths to feed, he had to wait until he was 62. This didn’t mean he quit working; it just meant he no longer had a boss to answer to.After retiring, he pursued many passions. He was an avid Green Bay Packers fan and spent afternoons watching classic game reruns and Gunsmoke. He loved to fish and to camp. He played in horseshoe leagues, a beanbag league and a golf league, as well as going to the YMCA every day.

One of his greatest passions was working for his beloved Frogtown neighborhood, where he was a resident for 62 years. He wanted everyone to see what he saw, a great community. Lard loved running the senior programs by calling bingo, organizing the community garage sale and the yearly neighborhood holiday dinner, to name a few.

Hew even won the WCCO “Good Neighbor Award” for his work in the community.

He moved from Frogtown to North St. Paul, but he always thought of Frogtown as his home.

A celebration of life will be held 1-5 p.m. Saturday, April 26, at North St. Paul American Legion Post 39, 2678 7th Ave E, St Paul, MN 55109.

“And remember … Be a good neighbor!!"

Memorial Keepers (1)

Larry "Lard" Paulson