John Paulsen 1938-2026

By Paso Robles Press · Thu Jun 25 2026

John Paulsen, 87, of Atascadero, met his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, early Friday, May 29, 2026. He passed with his loving wife, Jacquie, by his side. 

John was born in LA to Helen and Leo Paulsen. He had three brothers, Robert, Vernon, and Donald, now all deceased, and two sisters, Kathy Mons and Marcia Henkle, who live in Oregon. 

As a young man, John liked all sports, including body surfing in the ocean. As he grew, he loved golfing, BBQing, cooking, and spending time with his mother and family.

John married Roberta, “Bobbie,” and had three children, Ginger, Laura, and Ronald. He served in the Navy as a third class radarman and Honor Guard. All his brothers served, and two of his grandsons, great-grandson, and great-nephews. His oldest brother died in the Korean War. After the Navy, he joined the LA City Fire Department as a fireman for 23 years. When he retired, they moved to Atascadero. His grown children soon followed. John took the job as Fire Chief at Cal Poly’s fire department for 9 years. Sadly, soon after retiring from Poly, his beloved Bobbie passed away. John was devastated. 

John stayed very involved with St. Williams and Santa Margarita churches, the Knights of Columbus, the Santa Margarita Lions Club, BBQing and spending time with his family and grandkids. He later joined the Atascadero Elks just shortly before marrying Jacquie. John and Jacquie had 32 years together, traveling, being with family and friends, enjoying all the grandchildren, pool parties, BBQs, laughing, working together with the Elks and Knights as a “great team,” they were told. John was well-respected, very kind and humble, patriotic, spiritual, always willing to help, greeting everyone with a handshake and smile or his famous big bear hug. He is terribly missed already. 

John is survived by his loving wife, Jacquie; adoring children: Ginger Paulsen-Soliz, Laura Barger, (Allen), Ronald Paulsen (Olivia) and stepson Steve Rossi (Shelly); Sisters-in-law Noreen McElligot, Penny Coombs; 12 grandchildren: Jeremy Allison, Theresa Kepens, Eric Barger, Christopher Barger, Robert Barger, John Ben Paulsen, Alex Paulsen, Ashley Paulsen, and Rossi’s Devin, Caroline, Cole, and Jack. Plus 20 great-grandchildren!

A memorial service will be held at St. Williams in Atascadero on Tuesday, June 30. Rosary at 12:15 PM. Mass and Eulogy at 1:00 PM, and reception from 2:00-4:00 PM. The Paulsen family hopes you can come to the service and/or the reception. God Bless.