Dennis Paulson

Dennis Franklin Paulson, 75, of Great Falls, a car salesman for 30 years, porter at Bison Ford for 9 years and a retired navy veteran, died of cancer at a local peace hospice facility.A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 2, 2012 at Faith Lutheran Church.Inurnment will follow at Highland Cemetery.A reception will be held at the VFW Post 1087, 4123 10th Ave. South. Schnider Funeral Home is handling arrangements.Dennis Franklin Paulson was born October 9, 1936 in Froid, Montana to Halvor and Bessie Paulson. He earned his high school diploma in 1955.In 1963, he married Lenora Palmer.He served in the United States Navy, and was a life member of VFW Post 1087, Junior and Senior Vice commanders, and a member of Faith Lutheran Church. He worked as a car salesman for 30 years, and a porter at Bison Ford for 9 years.Dennis was devoted to his family and especially enjoyed family gatherings, Sunday drives with his beloved Lenora, watching all sports (especially football) and visiting with his friends at the VFW club discussing their military histories. He was very proud to have served.Dennis was the information bureau for many. He was a loving example of support and encouragement. He never met a stranger, as he always made it a point to make everyone he met a new friend.His years with his Bison Ford family gave him longevity and purpose. He loved his job, and looked forward to going everyday even throughout his battle with cancer.Dennis remained happy and hopeful until the end, attending family events and remaining active even when he wasn't feeling well. He was incredibly strong and a great example to everyone who knew him.We will all miss his bright smile, his wonderful hugs, his sense of humor and his continually positive attitude. He had a way of making everyone feel special.Survivors include his wife, Lenora Paulson of Great Falls; daughters Debbie (Layne) Shanahan of Great Falls and Nancy (Terry) Schievelbein of Belgrade; son Robert (Colleen) Palmer of Great Falls; nine grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; and numerous nephews, nieces and cousins.He was preceded in death by his parents, Halvor and Bessie Paulson; brothers John Paulson, Thomas Paulson and James Paulson; and a sister, Grace Dahley Bolton.In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Great Falls Rescue Mission, 326 2nd Ave. S., Great Falls, MT 59405 or the March of Dimes, 643 Grand Ave. Suite B, Billings, MT 59101Condolences for the family may be posted online at www.schniderfuneralhome.com