Paulson Memorial Overpass Ceremony on May 31

At approximately noon on a warm August day in 1970, Harry A. Paulson, a 25 year employee of the then called Montana Highway Department was killed on the bridge outside of Dodson while performing his duties of mowing weeds/grass from the sides of the Montana highway.

Who was Harry A. Paulson? At the time of his death he was a 51 year old family man who was an avid gardener, a seasoned hunter and all-around handyman. Harry was a WWII veteran and active in the American Legion and Malta Lutheran Church. With his wife, Ida Paulson, they raised 10 children together. The eldest three children graduated from high schools in Opheim, Poplar and Glasgow, while the younger seven children graduated from Malta High School. At the time of his death, the Paulson family lived east of Malta just a mile or so outside of town on a 2- acre farm. Harry and Ida spent their life raising and caring for the large family of 12.

Who helped this heart-broken family? The Phillips county community did! There were Malta Lutheran church members who came and moved her household goods from the farm house to the new house in town. There were many family friends e.g. Mavencamp family, Norman/ Hilda Haughness, Lester Weibe, who understood the tragic need the Paulson family had endured and they answered the call! Tom Moran (high school driver's education instructor) immediately gave Ida driving lessons so that she could drive the family car. Norman Haughness and other members from the Lutheran church planted our front and back lawn, as our house was newly built. Ida received a tremendous amount of support from Donna Mavencamp, Margaret Stiles, Judy Flatt, her many friends and her coworkers at the Malta Elementary and High Schools. They gave their time and energy to assist the Paulson family during their time of need. We recognize that many of these folks have passed, but their families live on.

This ceremony is a dedication to our father who gave his life in service on that day but also is our way of showing our deep appreciation and gratitude to the Phillips County community for aiding our mother and family during our serious time of need. A special thank you goes out to State Senator Mike Lang for assisting the family. The Dodson overpass will be named "Harry A. Paulson Memorial Overpass". Join the Paulson family and friends on Wednesday May 31 4 p.m. at GN Lodge for the dedication ceremony.

Harry and Ida are both buried at the Malta Cemetery. Harry and Ida Paulson's survivors: Janet (Paulson) Harmon of Ashland KS, Garry (Sharyn) Paulson of Columbia Falls MT, Margaret (Paulson) Conrad of Bigfork MT, Barbara (Paulson) Math of Fort Peck MT, Leslie (Bev) Paulson of St. George UT, Wayne (Eolyn) Paulson of Springfield OR, Doug Paulson of Kimball NE, Judy (Paulson) Gordon of Coeur d' Alene ID, James Paulson of Rancho Palos Verdes CA, Betty (Paulson) (Allen) Geer of Horsham PA.