Kathleen Kay Paulson, a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away at Edgewood Vista in Mandan, ND, on July 28, 2026, after a courageous 2-month battle with cancer. Born on June 21, 1939, in Castlewood, SD, Kay was the cherished daughter of Don and Monica Koenders.

Kay was born with a servant’s heart. Being the oldest of 7 siblings, she was called upon to help out her mother often with housework and child rearing. Her work on the family farm doing all kinds of chores and keeping her rambunctious brothers in line helped to create the very organized and clean person she was the rest of her days. She enjoyed helping out others and was always available to lend a hand in the lives of her children and her elderly parents later in adulthood.

In 1956, Kay married the love of her life and her soulmate, David Paulson, in Hayti, SD. Together, they built a beautiful life. Their union blessed them with three daughters, and a lifetime of wonderful memories. Kay chose her family first over everything and was always there to welcome them home from school with a snack, home from work with a kiss and nice evening meal. A gifted and beautiful seamstress, Kay’s abilities to make any garment her girls requested, including exquisite prom dresses and wedding dresses was a blessing to them. She gifted many of her handmade quilts to her children, grandchildren as will as nieces and nephews and some still use them today and lovingly remember her. Her organizational skills and passion for antiques were put to excellent use in her estate sale business, while her volunteer work at hospitals in Fargo and Park Rapids, MN, in the Gift shop, delivering mail and occasionally driving dialysis patients many miles for treatments, brought comfort to many.

Kay and David were longtime active members of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Bismarck, Olivet Lutheran in Fargo and Calgary Lutheran in Park Rapids. Her contributions to the churches included serving on the Altar Guild, making paraments, and preparing communion. Kay's quilting talents brought warmth to the less fortunate while being part of Ladies Circle and her involvement with the church's Luther League created cherished memories for the youth in their group. As a longtime member of PEO in Fargo, she helped young women pursue their educational dreams.

Kay's greatest joy was her family. She delighted in spending time with her children and grandchildren, often playing on the floor with them or preparing their favorite meals. Her home was a haven of love, beautifully adorned with flowers she tended to with care. Even during her time at Edgewood, her love for gardening never waned and would be out watering her flowers even when she was very weak from her illness. She got excited to go with her girls to greenhouses in the spring of the year and enjoyed the planning in the winter months when they didn’t go south for the winter.

Kay's zest for life extended to her hobbies she loved, including golfing, bowling, making beautiful quilts and baking. She was known for her culinary prowess, with her homemade buns being her most requested offering at family gatherings and vast recipe collection becoming family legends. Her home, decorated with a mix of antiques and original art, was a testament to her impeccable style.

A woman of immense warmth and generosity, Kay had a smile that could light up a room. Her laughter, shared often with family and friends, was a source of comfort and joy. She was a devoted caregiver, always ready with a helping hand or a kind word, embodying a servant's heart in every aspect of her life.

Kay is lovingly remembered by her daughters, Kim Rambur (Mike) and Terri Camp, and her grandchildren, Nicki Williams (Ryan), Jeff Camp (Tawny), Jenny Johnson (Brock), Katie Rambur, Andy Aasen (Megan), and Rosie Minnis (Ben). Her great-grandchildren, Wyatt and Bridget Williams, Hudson, Emmett, and Lucy Camp, Bria, Rylee, and Jersey Johnson, Maeve Minnis, and Cameron Aasen, will forever miss their doting "Grandma Kay” or “Gigi.” She is survived by her siblings, Judy Bevers (Ken), Denny Koenders, Rich Koenders (Isis), and Tony Koenders (Cindy), who will carry forward her legacy of love.

Kay was preceded in death by her beloved husband and soulmate David, her daughter, Pamela Aasen, son-in-law, Jim Camp, her parents, Don and Monica Koenders and brothers Greg and Jerry Koenders.

A service to celebrate Kay's life will be held on August 1st, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at Eastgate Funeral Home, 3117 E Century Ave, Bismarck ND 58503.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Edgewood Vista and Caring Edge Hospice for their compassionate care during Kay's final months.

Kay's life was a testament to love, kindness, and unwavering dedication to her family and community. She will be deeply missed, but her spirit will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to know her.