Evan Clair Paulsen

Evan Clair Paulsen, 65, of Shelley, Idaho passed away unexpectedly, Friday, April 15, 2016 at Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center in Idaho Falls, Idaho.

Evan was born April 11, 1951, in Rigby, Idaho. He grew up in Pocatello, Idaho graduating from Highland High School where he played and lettered in football. He received his Duty to God Award and his Eagle Scout Award. Evan played football while attending Ricks College before serving an L.D.S. Montana-Wyoming Mission. He also attended Vo-Tech at Idaho State University.

He married Mary Lou Stecklein on June 28, 1973 in the Salt Lake L.D.S. Temple. They have six children, Jackie M, Jared Evan, Elesha Ann, Jeffrey Elmer, Justin Evan and Emily Lou. Evan and Mary Lou lived in Pocatello, Pingree, moving to Shelley in 1986.

Evan loved the Scouting Program and the opportunity it gave young men to implement the high standards of being a scout in their lives. He was a Scoutmaster, Varsity Scout and Explorer Leader for over fifteen years. He was presented the Extra Miler Award and the Award of Merit.

He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and enjoyed all of his callings especially working with the youth. Evan was in the Elder’s Quorum Presidency, High Priest Group Leadership, Office of Seventy, and served faithfully as a Home Teacher.

Evan enjoyed being outdoors and loved to hunt and fish. He enjoyed “taking” his family fishing and boating to Island Park and Clark Canyon. He loved sports “particularly” football, baseball, wrestling and skiing. Evan and Mary Lou enjoyed dancing and loved to travel and had the opportunity of traveling to so many places.

Evan worked as maintenance mechanic and welder for Western Equipment, Bucyrus-Erie and Pro Brake. He loved driving semi’s, “doubles and triples” in the mines and working in the trucking industry. Evan always worked hard and enjoyed work.

In October 1987, Evan had the opportunity of going to Portland, Oregon for two months to help build the tunnel boring machines that would build the “Chunnel” Tunnel between England and France which lies under the English Channel. He thoroughly enjoyed being a part of this historic event.

Evan loved his wife and family. He loved his grandchildren, spending time with them, delighting in the hugs they would give him and attending their activities to watch them perform. He was thankful for the gospel, the opportunity of serving a mission, and his testimony. He would help anyone in need and enjoyed visiting with friends and family.

Survivors include his wife, Mary Lou of 42 years, his children Elesha (Todd), Jeffrey, Justin (Andrea), Emily (Travis), 12 grandchildren – Austin John, Mykl Jackie, William Jared, Makiya Nicole, Ashley Lou, Jaxton Evan, Caleb Wyatt, Nicole LaRee (James), Amanda Lee, Hailey Lynn, Emily Signe, Charles Ted. Also surviving is his mother-in-law, Lucile M. Stecklein, siblings, Brian, Duaine, Blaine, LaDawn, and many other cousins and relatives.

He was preceded in death by his children, Jackie M and Jared Evan (twins), father-in-law, Elmer Stecklein, His Mother, Naomi and his Step-father Ray Paulsen, siblings Arlon and Keith.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the L.D.S. Missionary Fund or BSA Scouting Program in honor of Evan.

Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m. Monday, May 2, 2016 at the Shelley South Stake Center (675 South Milton). The family will receive friends Sunday evening from 6:00 till 8:00 p.m. at Nalder Funeral Home, (110 West Oak Street), in Shelley and Monday from 12:30 till 1:40 p.m. at the church. Burial will be in the Springfield Cemetery.