A great example of a family man

Deepa Bharath

When Paul Ohlsen did something, he went all out.

Whether it was operating the ham radio or fishing or organizing

family reunions, Paul devoted himself to the cause at hand.

Paul’s legacy to his family were the wonderful reunions he

organized in Sioux Falls with the help of his cousins.

He always regretted starting those “late,” but he did them from

1992 to 2000. At least a dozen families came to the gatherings, which

usually took place at a hotel.

Paul, with the help of one of his cousins, would make a bulk

reservation at the hotel for a whole weekend. They would do

everything from square dancing to sightseeing to entertaining

themselves. But most often, they’d just hang out and talk about the

old days.

Paul loved to talk. And whatever people wanted to do, he was game.

The reunions were special because family members, who had never met

each other, met at these gatherings.

Needless to say, Paul was a family man.

Born in Schaller, Iowa, Paul joined the U.S. Navy Air Corps right

after graduating from high school. He was honorably discharged

three-and-a-half years later.

Paul met the love of his life, Marcine, in college. They were

introduced by Paul’s roommate.

For Marcine, it was love at first sight. She still can’t say what

it was that drew her to him. They were married on Aug. 17, 1952.

The couple moved to Costa Mesa in 1965. Paul worked in the

aerospace industry for 35 years before retiring in 1991.

Paul wan an avid learner. Be it the Bible, which had a special

place in his heart, or backpacking or camping that started with his

involvement with the Boy Scouts, he gave it his all. He took 50-mile

hikes twice through the Grand Canyon and once in the Sierras.

Paul enjoyed his time in Costa Mesa, because he always felt it was

the perfect place for him. It didn’t feel like a big city.

He cherished his time with his grandchildren. He played cards and

computer games with them. What he enjoyed the most, however, was when

he would buy a couple loaves of bread and take the children to

TeWinkle Park.

They’d feed the ducks and geese and just go for a pleasant stroll

around the park.

Paul and Marcine were close, but were not one of those inseparable

couples. Sometimes, he’d go off and do his camping and hiking. And

she’d spend a week with her mom.

But they were best friends. What they really enjoyed doing

together was traveling by car to small towns. Their marriage lasted

almost 52 years. This year, the couple’s anniversary will be the day

after Paul’s burial.