Gloria Jean Paulsen

Gloria Jean (Morgan) Paulsen, 87, completed her baptismal journey on Tuesday, July 30, 2019, at UnityPoint Health-Trinity Rock Island.

Gloria was born December 17, 1931 at Moline Lutheran Hospital to Lester and Blanche (Wiggins) Morgan. She graduated from Rock Island High School in 1949 and from Augustana College in 1954 with a B.A. in secretarial and teaching. A member of Sigma Pi Delta, she served as chapter President. Gloria competed in tennis, basketball, and volleyball. She taught at Bradford, Illinois before marrying Donald Ray Paulsen on June 18, 1955 at South Park Presbyterian Church.

While Don served in the Navy, Gloria worked for Douglas Aircraft in California and John Deere in Illinois. After his active duty, they moved to Rock Island and then settled at Lake Lynnwood, Lynn Center. There she focused on homemaking and raising their sons: Bryan, Brent, and Byron. She returned to substitute teaching for over 20 years.

Gloria had a great love for family and dogs, ensuring everyone was well fed. A long-time member of Beulah Presbyterian Church, she served as a deacon and on the Women’s Circle.

Preceding her in death were her parents and half-sister, Mary Rhodenbaugh.

Survivors include her husband, Don; sons: Bryan (Darwin Rickertsen) of Rock Island, Brent (Becky) of Salix, Iowa, and Byron (Kelly) of Manito; grandchildren: Jessica, Ashley (Solomon Kaffel), and Aaron.

Visitation is Tuesday, August 6 from 4 – 7 p.m. at Kirk, Huggins and Esterdahl Funeral Home, 1301 Fourth Street, Orion. Funeral is Wednesday, August 7 at 10 a.m. at Beulah Presbyterian Church, 9221 148th Avenue, Orion, with the Reverend Tim Snart presiding. Burial will follow at Western Township Cemetery.

Send memorials to Beulah Presbyterian Church or the Quad City Animal Welfare Center, 724 2nd Avenue West, Milan, IL 61264.