May 28, 1953 – August 24, 2025
Mary Jane Paulson, 72 passed away on August 24, 2025 at MercyOne West Lakes Medical Center in West Des Moines, Iowa.
Private family graveside services will be held at Madison Township Cemetery in Forest City. Pastor Zech Anderson of Immanuel Lutheran Church will be officiating.
Mary Jane Paulson was born on May 28th, 1953 to Paul C. Paulson and Eunice (Underwood) Paulson in Forest City, Iowa. She was baptized at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Forest City.
Mary grew up on the family farm southeast of Forest City. At the age of 6 months, Mary suffered a disabling heart attack and she became a special needs child for life. She loved the music her mother played on the record player and could hum many of the songs she heard when requested to do so. Mary attended a special school for 2 hours 2 days a week. Later, Mary became a resident of the Woodward State Resource Center where she lived for the rest of her life.
She is survived by her brother, Robert (Dona) Paulson of Forest City and sister, Shirlee Trent (friend Arnie Rautanen) of Fort Dodge. She is also survived by four nephews, David Paulson, Eric Paulson, Bret Paulson, and Matt Trent; and one niece, Kristi Kester, as well as great nieces and nephews, Ryan Paulson, Joshua Paulson, Cassie Brown, Dane Kester, Meg Kester, Lane Paulson, Cade Paulson, Bo Paulson, Sara Jo Paulson, Anthony Trent, and Mercedes Trent; and a large number of great-great nephews and nieces!
Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Paul and Eunice and her brother Max Paulson.
The family would like to express their thanks and gratitude to the staff at the Woodward State Resource Center and the staff at Mercy One West Hospital in West Des Moines for their kindness and loving care to Mary Jane throughout the years.
schottfuneralhomes.com