Obituary: Raymond E. Paulson

Obituary published and funeral arrangements entrusted to the care and direction of the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home and Crematory​.

Raymond Eugene Paulson, known to everyone as Ray, was born on November 18, 1934 to Ernest and Ruth (Williams) Paulson of Morris and passed away peacefully at the age of 91,on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, at Serenity Estates of Morris. Ray was a proud graduate of the Morris Community High School Class of 1952, and enlisted in the Navy later that summer. He served as an aircraft engine mechanic for 3 years, was honorably discharged in 1955, and remained in the U.S. Navy Reserve until 1960. On May 4, 1958, Ray married Rosalie (Niewinski) Paulson, also of Morris, and their first son Thomas was born soon after, followed shortly by Steven and, a few years later, their third son, James. He and Rosie established their roots on the east side of Morris, purchasing their home in 1964 and raising their family there. Ray enjoyed staying active with his 3 sons: playing catch in the yard, taking them on camping trips, and taking bike rides together (with a stop for ice cream of course). He also loved to treat his family to a nice dinner out every so often.

Ray was employed by Amoco Chemicals and worked there for 35 years, retiring in 1995. He was one of the lucky few to enjoy a long retirement, and he did not take that for granted. In fact, he continued to work, albeit for free, devoting his life to service in Morris and the surrounding communities. Ray volunteered for the PADS homeless shelter for many years, taking overnight shifts. He was a blood donor for 60 years and was recently recognized for an incredible 25 years of volunteer service with Morris Hospital Patient Transportation. He donated to many causes throughout his life and felt strongly about helping others. He and his wife Rosie were fixtures in the community for several decades.

Ray had an adventurous spirit, an open mind and heart, and a curiosity to learn. He and Rosie enjoyed traveling to the casino in Dubuque and playing nickel slots; he took an Alaskan cruise with his close friend and cousin Don Williams in 2000 (where he had to perform the heimlich maneuver to save someone who was choking); a special trip to Utah to go white water rafting with one of his sons and grandson in 1997; many road trips to Minneapolis, Minnesota when three of his grandchildren lived there; and, though he didn’t love flying, he even took a final trip to Austin, Texas in summer 2022 to attend his granddaughter’s wedding. Ray was an avid reader and loved to keep up with the news, reading the newspaper every day and of course doing the crossword puzzles and introducing his grandkids to the Sunday “funnies.” Ray had a wealth of knowledge, an excellent memory, and would have won big if he ever auditioned for Jeopardy. He also enjoyed walking, biking and spending time with his many friends — he had a “breakfast club” almost every day of the week, and he was a great conversationalist.

However, Ray’s favorite thing in the world, hands down, was spending time with his grandkids, and later, his great grandchildren. He and Rosie were fixtures at basketball, soccer, softball, baseball, football and hockey games; swim meets; dance recitals; school plays; and so much more. He was lucky to have all 9 grandchildren close - in Morris and Naperville - and this meant his weekends were quite busy! He and Rosie loved nothing more than to have their grandchildren over for sleepovers and bring them along to have breakfast with their friends the next morning. Ray was a great storyteller, and he loved to tell his grandkids stories about his childhood. His great grandchildren especially loved to hear the one about the time his one-room school house caught fire, and while the teacher was throwing the books out the window to save them, the “naughty” boys were throwing them back in! Of course, Ray was never one of the naughty boys – he really liked to do the right thing, and that remained true his entire life. Still, he loved to laugh and he sure did get a kick out of others’ pranks and minor mischiefs. Even more, he was always a good sport if he was the target of them. He was a wonderful, present, gentle grandfather and great-grandfather and there was no shortage of “I love you’s, “I’m proud of you’s, and hugs from him. As his grandkids grew into adults, a few of Ray’s most cherished traditions with them were Thursday night trivia, football Sundays, and big family meals.

Ray is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 51 years, Rosie, until her passing in 2009. He is also preceded in death by his parents, his stepfather Leroy Matteson, and his brothers-in-law Jack Birsa and Henry Niewinski and sisters-in-law Shirley Niewinski and Sharon Paulson.

Ray is survived by his three cherished sons and their wives: Tom and Sue Paulson of Morris, Steve and Trish Paulson of Naperville, and Jim and Kara Paulson of Morris; brothers Lynn Paulson and Gary (Debbie) Matteson, both of Morris; as well as sisters-in-law Theresa (Bill) Doerfler of Morris and Mary Jane Birsa of Joliet. He is also survived by his 9 grandchildren and their spouses: Sam Paulson of Washington, D.C.; Colleen and Matt Schuman of Naperville; Margaret Paulson and Matt Davis of Austin, TX; Erin and Brian Rzepka of Naperville; Elyssa Paulson of Chicago; Keith Paulson of Ft. Myers, FL; Jacob and Maddie Paulson of Springfield; Benjamin Paulson of Morris; and Matthew Paulson of Morris. Additionally, he is survived by his 6 great-grandchildren: Alastair Davis-Spence of Austin, TX; Olivia and Stella Schuman of Naperville; Aubrey and Blake Rzepka of Naperville; and Jack Paulson of Springfield. Finally, Ray is survived by many nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

We want to end on one fun fact about Ray: He never used the internet! He was just not interested. This may be what helped him stay so connected to and invested in his community and live a long, happy, and very healthy life — right up until the end. He was a rare one.

In lieu of flowers, we challenge Ray’s family, dear friends, and acquaintances to get out into your communities, connect with others, and do an act of service in his honor. Donations to the Lightways Hospice in Joliet in Ray’s honor would also be appreciated.

The family would like to thank Lightways Hospice, The Pointe, and Serenity Estates of Morris for their wonderful care for Ray.

Ray was a dear father, grandfather, and great grandfather, and we will deeply miss his generous spirit, caring heart, open mind, and sweet personality.

A visitation for Ray will be held on Thursday, June 18, 2026 at Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 1201 W. Route 6 at Deerpath Drive in Morris, IL, from 3:00 p.m. until a prayer service at 5:45 p.m. To conclude the evening, the family would like to invite Ray’s family and friends to the Fraternal Order of Eagles, 120 Liberty St, Morris, for refreshments and “Polish Goodbye”.

For information, please call (815) 942-5040 or you can visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com where you can share a favorite memory or leave a condolence.

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