George Poulson

George Poulson, 93 of Fargo, ND, formerly of Chaffee, ND, passed away Wednesday, July 11, 2018 at Rosewood on Broadway in Fargo.

Harry George Poulson and his twin brother Alfred Gallagher Berry were born November 21, 1924 in Wishek, North Dakota. At the age of 6 months George was adopted by Harry and Rose Poulson and Alfred by the Berry family. 

As a young boy George was given the nickname Pudge. In 1942, he graduated from Jamestown High School and then enrolled at Jamestown College. His education would be interrupted by his time in the United States Marine Corps during World War II.   After fulfilling his 4 years of service, which included a year overseas in China, he returned to Jamestown College where he would receive his degree. Before he left for duty, he met his future wife, Marjorie (Marj) Peeler.  Fortunately for them one of their professors required students to sit alphabetically which is how they met. Marj would always tell her children that George talked a lot and not quietly and she had to continually ask him to be quiet in class.

Marj and George were united in marriage at the Jamestown Methodist Church, in August, 1948.  They were married for 64 years, until Marj passed in September, 2012.

Following their marriage, George attended the University of North Dakota School of Law graduating in 1950. He would never practice law as he, Marj and firstborn Kathryn moved to the Chaffee area to assist Marj’s ailing father with the Peeler Family Farm. In 1989 this farm was recognized as a North Dakota Centennial Farm. George was very proud to have a 5th generation grandson living on this farm.

George has been a member of the Masons of North Dakota since 1950.  He has been affiliated with the Jamestown Lodge #6, Casselton Lodge #3, where he served as Past Master and the Daylight Lodge #135 in Fargo.  He was installed as Grand Master in 1980. As Grand Master he attended Lodge Meetings throughout the state.  George and Marj formed lifelong friendships and travelled to Manitoba, Minnesota, and Florida for Masonic events.  George was a board member and served as treasurer of the International Peace Garden Lodge of Free Masons Auditorium.  He was elected an Honorary Past Grand Master by the Grand Lodge of Manitoba and given an honorary Life Membership from the DeMolay International.  He also served as Worthy Grand Patron of the Eastern Star in Casselton.

In 1975 George joined the El Zagal Shrine Temple. He enjoyed volunteering with the organization and selling cotton candy at the annual Shrine Circus in Fargo.

George strongly believed in serving the community. He was a member of many boards including: Chaffee Lions Club, Chaffee Public School Board, Cass County School Reorganization Committee, ND Selective Service, and Bonanzaville, USA.  He served as a delegate to the 1971-72 ND Constitutional Convention. George also served his church in many capacities including lay leader.

After Marjorie was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, they became active in supporting the local Alzheimer’s Association.  George, along with his family, have participated in several of the annual Walk to End Alzheimer’s event in Fargo.  He also gave a presentation at a statewide event sharing his role as a caregiver for someone with Alzheimer’s.

George farmed for many years and in 1968 joined the staff at Casselton State Bank as an Agricultural Representative and would retire 18 years later.  He was elected and served as Municipal Judge of Casselton for 16 years.  He enjoyed the “face to face” time and issuing verbal warnings to those who entered his court. His favorite part of the job was officiating weddings.

Never at loss of words, George was “talkative” and always had a Jamestown Story.  No one was a stranger to him as he always seemed to know someone wherever he went. 

He enjoyed hunting, reading, watching Jeopardy, “tinkering” around the farm, and the Green Bay Packers. He was proud of his personalized brick at Lambeau Field and was honored to be a shareholder of the Green Bay Packers, Inc. George also enjoyed camping, relaxing at the lake, and making his “special” popcorn for the grandkids.  George’s greatest passions however were his family and his dogs.

He and Marj enjoyed doing crossword puzzles, rock hunting, attending auctions, and woodworking together. They belonged to a Potluck Group with some of their closest friends for over 50 years.

George was a resident of Rosewood on Broadway where he enjoyed daily cappuccinos, visiting with the staff, and making his rounds sporting his favorite “hat of the day”. 

He was preceded in death by wife, Marjorie; parents, Harry and Rose; sister, Charlotte Hetherington and twin brother, Alfred “Spike” Gallagher Berry.

Survivors include Kathryn Orban, Harrisburg, PA; Randy Poulson and Sean Nowak,  Apple Valley, MN; Ann Poulson, Lakeville, MN; Bruce (Diane) Poulson, Lynchburg, ND; Steve (Melissa) Poulson, Chaffee, ND, and Gail McMartin, Detroit Lakes, MN. He had 13 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren, two nieces and a nephew.  

Memorial Service:          Monday, July 16, 2018 at 2 pm at Westminster Presbyterian Church, Casselton, ND with visitation one hour prior to the service.

Final Resting Place:        Casselton Cemetery, Casselton, ND.

West Funeral Home & Life Tribute Center

www.westfuneralhome.com

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