Edith Paulsen

Edith Paulsen, age 97, of Wall, South Dakota, died on Wednesday, July 13, 2022 at Hans P. Peterson Memorial Hospital in Philip.

Edith Marguerite Sebade was born March 25,1925 in Wall, South Dakota to Henry and Anna (Mooney) Sebade the fifth of six children. They lived directly across the street from the school where she received her education, graduating in 1943. Their home was always full of extra guests, laughter, and singing in harmony. The Sebade and friends, the Johnson girls, were known to sing at most funerals and events in the area. After graduation, she and a friend rode the bus to California to work during the war. When returned home, she went to work at the bank. She was united in marriage to Raynold Paulsen February 12, 1947. They farmed and ranched north of Wall in the Cedar Butte area. Being a city girl, the distance from town and neighbors was a new adventure. She was thankful to live in the same yard as her in-laws. During this time, daughter Anita was born. They moved down on the river even further from town. Their son, Kevin was born and made the family complete. Edith served as township treasurer and assessor for many years. She looked forward to family and friends coming to visit. Often nephews and nieces would want to come out with Aunt Eedie for a visit in the country.

In 1956, they bought the Rest Haven motel and moved to town. After selling the motel, she worked in various stores, and was then asked to come back to the bank. She worked alongside, Raynold and her brother, Delbert for many, many years. The bank was open late on Friday nights so she and Raynold would have running Cribbage tournaments during their noon hour to see who would have to buy supper that week. They liked to travel and went on nice vacations with friends. When they retired from the bank, they purchased the Wall Lanes bowling alley. Edith was unexpectedly widowed at an early age. With help from family, she continued to operate the lanes for a few more years.

After totally retiring, she enjoyed attending her grandchildren’s activities. She was an avid reader, loved working crossword puzzles, jigsaw puzzles, and playing cards. Grandchildren tried their best to beat Grandma in Hand & Foot or ND Rummy. Losing her eyesight took much independence away, but with extra large numbers on cards, she was still a threat to her opponents!

She braved flying alone and would spend winters in Las Vegas with Kevin’s family. She also flew to Arizona to visit, and her last flight was for her 95th birthday! She learned to enjoy new activities-Karate tournaments, and wrestling. She may have been spotted sitting down on the edge of the mat so she could see the match.

For many years she was still able to maintain her home and get to the Wall Drug for her diet coke and maple donut every afternoon. She sold her home and moved to Prairie Village which she enjoyed for several years. She loved going out for Sunday dinners to have her fried chicken. Reluctantly, she moved to Silver Leaf Assisted Living, but found she liked it there and would tell how kind, caring, and loving the staff was to her. She spent a few days in the hospital and peacefully went to sleep.

Survivors include daughter, Anita Peterson of Philip; son, Kevin (Terry) Paulsen of Las Vegas, Nevada; eight grandchildren: Kent Paulsen, Tiffany Paulsen, Kacey Paulsen, Dustin (Carmen) Peterson, Michael (Tanya) Peterson, Landon Peterson, Kelsie (Darin) Naescher, Ashlee Peterson; twelve great grandchildren - Hunter, McCoy, Ryker, Kale, Miken, Teige, Embri, Asher, Jack, Nora Peterson ; Kellan Naescher and Alexander Paulsen and a host of extended family members and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Raynold; son in law, Darrel Peterson; three brothers: Delbert, Norman, and Dayton Sebade; and two sisters: Eunice Johnson and Bernice Anderson.

Visitation will be held from 6-7 p.m. with a prayer service starting at 7 p.m. Tuesday, July 19, at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Wall.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, July 20, at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Wall with Father Tyler Dennis officiating.

Interment will follow at the Wall Cemetery.

Arrangements are with Rush Funeral Home of Wall.