Esther Lucille (Skoog) Paulsen, 97, of Isle, MN died August 19, 2024, at Mille Lacs Health System. Esther was a believer and had placed her faith and trust in her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. She is now resting peacefully in His loving arms.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, September 21, 2024, at 11 a.m. at Faith Lutheran Church, with Pastor Josh Blair officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to service at the church.

Esther was born on April 17, 1927, to Christ "Ben" and Selma (Roise) Skoog in Orrock, Minnesota. She was the fourth of six children.Esther and her three older siblings walked several miles to a one-room schoolhouse until second grade. The family moved to a farm in Zimmerman, where she attended school through sixth grade. She attended a one-room schoolhouse near Page, Minnesota, through eighth grade. Esther attended high school in Milaca, Onamia and Isle, where she graduated in 1945. After various summer jobs, Esther went to work in Minneapolis, at Honeywell and U.S.F. & G. Insurance Co.

Esther met the love of her life, and she and Glenn Westling were married in Feb. 1947. When their son Gregg was 2 years old, they built a home south of Isle, and had their second child, Pamela. Two months later, Glenn was killed on a construction job. This was a very difficult time for the young family.

Esther married Howard Paulsen in 1955. The family grew with another daughter and four boys. After all the kids were in school, she worked for Lloyd Paulsen at Lakeland Industries until he sold the business, and later worked for Lakeland Printers. She and Howard made several trips to Alaska and traveled all around the country in their motorhome.

Esther was a longtime member of Faith Lutheran Church. Years back, Esther was in PTA, CCR, flower club, volunteered at the Food Coop, and other community activities. She was skilled in a wide variety of needlework and sewing and every craft in between, enjoyed baking and cooking, visits with family and friends, and will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

Esther was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Howard, her first husband Glenn, her son Gregg, siblings Laurice, Doris, Mayva, Audrey, and Gertrude. She is survived by daughters Pamela, Paulette (Myron), sons David (Jonni), Bruce (Ilene), Steven (Marlie), and James (Mary); grandchildren Danielle (Jeff), Justin (Becky), Travis (Stephanie), Jon, Tara (Jason), Zachary, Celene (James), Malachi (Rachel), Alexis, and Elysha; great-grandchildren, cousins, nieces and nephews.

Arrangements made with Methven Funeral and Cremation Services, Mille Lacs Chapel, Isle, MN.