George “Sonny” Paulson, Jr., 78, Blackhoof Township, passed away peacefully, after a lengthy illness, on Monday, December 7, 2009. He was born on December 27, 1930 at his home in Blackhoof Township to George, Sr. and Hildegard Paulson. Sonny attended Sandy Lake School for four years before attending Barnum High School. Following high school he worked for Diamond Tool in Duluth for four years. On July 24, 1954, Sonny married Joyce Urback in Barnum. He drove truck for Duluth Delivery Service for over 13 years. In 1965 Sonny and Joyce purchased a gas station in Carlton. In 1971 they started Sonny’s Service Oil which he operated with great dedication until he sold the business in 1996. Sonny was very devoted to his family and his church. He joined the Sandy Lake Baptist Church in 1949 and was currently the longest member of the church where he served as Chairman, Treasurer, Trustee and Sunday School Superintendant. Sonny was also actively involved in the many building projects at the church and parsonage. In his retirement, Sonny made hundreds of Christ and Jesus crosses from oak and joyfully gave them to anyone who asked. Sonny was very active in his community: Sexton for Sandy Lake Cemetery for over 51 years, President of the Carlton Chamber of Commerce and Charter member of the Carlton Lions Club. He loved to play cards and truly enjoyed talking with people.

Sonny was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters: Edna Johnson and Eleanore Burk.

He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Joyce; three children: Bruce (Cheri) Paulson of Eagan; Pamela (Paul) Norman of Eagan; and Shelby Paulson of Eveleth; six grandchildren: Aaron Paulson, Kirsten Paulson, Darrin Stojevich, Matthew Stojevich, Sarah Norman, and Molly Norman; two great granddaughters: Hailey and Madison Stojevich; a sister: Bernice (Roy) Bumann of Barnum; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be from 6-8 PM Thursday, December 10, 2009 at Hamlin-Hansen-Kosloski Funeral Home, Moose Lake and continue from 9 AM until the 10 AM service on Friday, December 11, 2009 at Sandy Lake Baptist Church, Blackhoof Township. Pastor Tom Schaer will officiate. Burial will be in Sandy Lake Cemetery, Blackhoof Twp. Memorials are preferred in lieu of flowers. To sign the guestbook online, go to www.hhkfuneralhome.com. Arrangements by Hamlin-Hansen-Kosloski Funeral Home, Moose Lake.