DEBORAH JEAN PAULSON

MUSCATINE, Iowa – Deborah Jean Paulson, 73, passed away on Saturday, May 30, 2026, after a battle of stage 4 breast cancer, at Lutheran Living,

Funeral Service will be at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, at the Wittich-Riley-Freers Funeral Home. Pastor Susan Bantz will officiate. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family for a future scholarship fund for Columbus Junction Community Schools. Online condolences may be made at www.wittichfuneralhome.com

Debbie was born on January 13, 1953, in Muscatine, the daughter of Ralph W. Hoag and Doris Welk. She married Don Paulson on September 21, 1975, at Zion Lutheran Church in Muscatine.

Debbie earned her bachelor’s degree at Iowa State University and her master’s degree in education at the University of Iowa. She taught for nearly 40 years. She was a member of the ISEA, League of Woman Voters, and also 4-H leader. She was a baking superintendent for the Muscatine County Fair and former secretary to the Muscatine County Democratic Party.

Debbie was a farm girl at heart who had a deep love for agriculture and the local fair. She was an active competitor at the fair, frequently entering her sewing projects and baked goods. Her many hobbies included sewing, quilting, and reading. Above all, she cherished the time she spent with her family.

Debbie is survived by her husband, Don; sons, Dane (Shannon) Paulson and Dustin (MacKenzie) Paulson; grandchildren, Bentley Paulson and Hayley Paulson; grand dog, Ruthie; mother, Doris Welk; brothers, Doug (Sandi) Hoag and David (Stacie) Hoag; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her father, Ralph; sister, Diane Gregg; nephew, Daniel Gregg; and aunt, Wilma Montgomery.