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Deborah Cay Paulsen Wahl, a woman whose life was defined by optimism, quiet strength, and an unwavering love for her family, passed away peacefully on June 12, 2025, at the age of 70.
A memorial service will be held to celebrate her life on Friday, August 8, 2025, at 1 p.m. at the Hartquist Funeral Home in Pipestone with visitation held one and a half hours prior from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Inurnment will follow in the New Woodlawn Cemetery in Pipestone.
Deb was born on August 9,1954, to Robert and Rita (Wathen) Paulsen in Pipestone, Minn. Deborah was raised on the family farm north of town. Deborah discovered a natural poise and confidence in front of an audience while collecting purple ribbons in 4-H dress review and demonstration. In high school, she competed at the state level in original oratory and enjoyed a number of leading roles in school plays. Of all her many lifetime accomplishments she often joked that her PHS Best Actress award was her most coveted accolade. After graduating from Pipestone High School in 1972, she attended Mankato State University and received her bachelor’s degree in business management.
A chance meeting at a Minneapolis bus stop brought her the love of her life, Richard. For the past 40 years they spent time contemplating life side by side while each reading the newspaper and drinking their morning coffee. Not only did they enjoy their time at home, they also explored the world together. Favorite travels included Germany, Austria, Italy, Switzerland, New Zealand and sailing the Caribbean. They visited many of our great United States including their most recent trip on an Alaskan cruise.
Deborah’s distinguished professional career gained her recognition as a highly effective human resources and executive management leader for corporations in the fields of Software, Banking and Financial Services and Legal firms. Deborah served as the national President of the Legal Assistant Management Association (LAMA) and the President of the Valley of the Sun HR Association (VSHRA). As the Arizona Legislative Director of the Society for HR Management (SHRM), Deborah chaired efforts to draft workplace violence legislation that was enacted into Arizona law. Her strong commitment to developing each employee’s full potential gave Deborah the reputation by her peers as a true builder of people.
Deborah was the “taker of photos,” the gatherer of family history, and a relentless cheerleader. She refused to entertain negative thoughts, offering a maddeningly positive nature instead. Deborah left a mark that will not fade. For that she will be dearly missed.
Deborah is lovingly remembered by her husband, Richard; mother Rita Paulsen of Pipestone; three siblings, Susan Manke of Ft. Collins, Colo., Kevin (Barb) Paulsen of Pipestone, and Dana (Dan) Melcher of Chandler, Ariz., and so many close nieces and nephews and dear friends.
She was preceded in death by her father, Robert Paulsen; her brother, Gary Paulsen; and three nephews, Jason and Tyler Manke and Jeffrey Paulsen.
(Hartquist Funeral Home,
Pipestone Chapel)