Norman Richard Paulson (Stormin’ Norman) passed away peacefully October 10, 2025, at his home in Helena, with his family by his side and his favorite music playing. Norm was born September 24, 1934 in Woburn, ND to John L. Paulson and Flossie M. Frazier. He was a man of quick wit and strong convictions. He had a strong love of family, country music and the military.
Norman was a proud veteran. He served his country from 1956 until his retirement in 1994. He earned his 82nd Airborne Division paratrooper badge at Fort Bragg Military Base in North Carolina successfully completing 38 jumps from a perfectly good airplane. After serving in the 82nd Airborne he served in the North Dakota Army National Guard where he was appointed to the rank of First Sergeant. His service in North Dakota was followed by service in the Montana Army National Guard where he served on Active Duty until his retirement. Norm was a highly respected NCO whose mentorship and guidance was sought after by Officer and Enlisted Soldiers alike. He had a deep love and conviction for his fellow Soldiers their families and his country. He continued to serve his country by volunteering for the DAV including being a volunteer driver to get veterans to their appointments with the VA. He was a lifelong member of the North Dakota VFW where he earned a distinguished appointment to the Military Order of the Cooties, he was also a lifelong member of the American Legion, the DAV and the Enlisted Association of the National Guard.
While working for the Soo Line Railroad with the B&B (Bridge and Building) crew, Norman met the love of his life Trudy Grendal whose father Oscar was the Soo Line depot agent in Whitetail, MT, and so, it began. Trudy and Norman were married June 4, 1955 in Flaxville, Montana. They left the day after the wedding for Fort Bragg military base in North Carolina so Norman could continue his training. Their union brought three children into the world, Louise (LuAnn), Lowell (Butch), and Lanae (Dawn). Although Norman and Trudy divorced in 1973, they remained close until Trudy’s passing in 2014.
After serving in the 82nd Airborne, Norm went to work at the Glasgow Air Force Base as a civil service delivery truck operator, leaving there for Billings where he was a small engine mechanic at the old Scheels Hardware downtown. His carpentry skills led him to a position managing a custom cabinet building shop in Billings prior to him starting his full-time National Guard Career. Norm was always on hand to help build an addition to a home, a new garage, kitchen cabinets or a simple shelf or personal project. Telling tall tales about his life growing up with six siblings, the things he learned while working on the Christensen Farm and Ranch while in high school, and the many adventures growing up in Flaxton, ND. His stories were legendary and countless. If you met him, you loved him. He made us all laugh with his wonderful sense of humor. Norm never forgot his roots.
Normans’ life story would not be complete without a mention of the Dakota Playboys. The band consisted of 5 members. Norm was lead singer and rhythm guitar player. The original name of the band was the Dakota Troubadours but Dakota Playboys was the favorite. They played North Dakota and Eastern Montana nightclubs and dance halls. They were good and in high demand. The band disbanded many years later but the music lives on. It was a special treat when dad would take out his guitar and play and sing for us.
Norman married Laverne Carstens in February of 1974. They were together until her passing in June of 2012.
Norman is survived by his brother, Wayne Paulson (Sharol), his children, LuAnn Barman, Butch Paulson, and Dawn Paulson-Morgan (Gary). He had 8 grandchildren, Greg Locken, Susan Hodges, Jerred Berns, April Berns, Leinani Hance, Taylor Barman (Brianna), Richard Morgan (Savannah), and Joey Paulsonmorgan (Megan). He was also blessed with 12 great grandchildren and 11 Great-great grandchildren. He had many nieces and nephews and countless friends who loved him dearly. Special thank you to Kathy for caring for dad so dearly. We would also like to thank Dr Bailey and her staff for caring for Dad these past years, also all of Dad’s Hospice team, Michael and Karissa, the kindness you showed Dad was much appreciated.
Norman was preceded in death by his parents, John and Flossie, brothers Neal and Jack, sisters Betty, Flossie, and Amy, grandson Greg, great-great granddaughter Serenity Rose and sons-in-law, Bryan Barman and Jeffrey Post.
Burial with Military Honors is scheduled for 3:00 p.m., Friday, May 8, 2026 at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery, Fort Harrison.
Service Schedule
Burial with Military Honors
3:00 p.m.
Friday May 8, 2026
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
3550 Heroes Rd.
Fort Harrison, Montana 59636
Service Schedule
Burial with Military Honors
3:00 p.m.
Friday May 8, 2026
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
3550 Heroes Rd.
Fort Harrison, Montana 59636
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Don Erdmann says
I really liked Norm. I was proud to serve with him. He was always real proud of having been a paratrooper. I wish I could have heard him sing with The Dakota Playboys Band. Dawn, Gary, Richard and Joe Man: you are a living legacy of Norm. He couldn’t have asked for better. I’ll see you at Fiddlers Green, Norm.
Deb says
Dawn and family. I am so sorry for your loss! I really enjoyed my chats with your father when he would come into the clinic. He was quite a gem and will be greatly missed.
Steve Larsen says
remember him when he lived in Flaxton, ND as my father and I did carpentry work at his parent’s home. All nice people.
Carynn B LeMieux says
So sorry to read of Norm. He was such a great soldier to work with and a great dancer also on a trip to Pryor Oklahoma. He served with honor.
Janet Cron says
My condolences to Norms family. My husband, Barney Cron , and Norm were classmates and great friends. I have a quilt made by his sister, Betty, that Norm supplied the seven Dwarfs patterns. They started as lawn ornaments !!!
I can attest to the fantastic music of the Dakota Playboys. Danced the night away many times in the Burke County WW1 Memorusl Gall. He was a keeper. Hugs
Mary Jane Unsworth says
I am so sorry to hear of Norman’s passing! He was a very nice man and a great singer. I would like to send my condolences to his family.
Dawn Paulson-Morgan says
Hey Dad
It’s been a great run !
Some days better than others but mostly good.
Thank you for the life lessons, some hard, most were teaching ones.
And for the memories ! Ones with the military, the DAV, and ones out here on the farm, but most of all, with the family.
It’s been great having you with us on the farm !
Recent years, still teaching us and the boys, right up to the end.
We ALL hope you have found some peace and comfort !
Give Mom and Gma Jo a hug from us.
We love and miss you Father.
HUGS
RIP
The Compound
Judi kittson says
Dawn, Luann and Butch. Sorry for your loss. I loved Norm and was shocked by his passing. He was a great man. RIP
Mary Lynn Comes says
Sandee, I was so sorry to read about Norm leaving us. He was a special person. He cared about Mick and asked about him often. Norm was such a gentleman. John and I were with him in Missoula to watch a game. He walked back to his car to bring me a seat he had so I could be more comfortable on that wooden bench. When I read about his life, I couldn’t believe all the talents he had. Everyone will miss him I know. Take care. You are in my thoughts and prayers 😘😘😘
Kathryn Buchanan says
I had the great pleasure of caring for Norm in the last year of his life. I loved that he was so positive. Every morning when we would get up, I would ask him how he was and his answer was always the same, ” I am excellent, I feel great, it’s a beautiful day, and things just couldn’t be better!” It could be the ugliest looking day outside, and he could be looking like he had been hit by a truck but his answer was always the same and always delivered with a smile. His stories used to crack me up! He managed to make me smile everyday. He was a wonderful man with a lot to offer. It was a great honor to get the time with him that I did. He will forever be in my heart. Thank you Dawn, Gary, Richard, and Joe for giving me the opportunity and the time that I had with him and your family. It truly will be something I will carry in my heart for the rest of my life time. I love you all.
Dave Schneider says
My hero’s have always been cowboys . In particular “Dakota Playboys” ! In particular the lead singer and the manager. Thank you Uncle Norm for the guidance. affection, and education you have provided over the years.
I will miss you terribly and your family and society are very much deprived.
In sadness and mourning,
Your loving nephew. Dave S.
LuAnn says
Dad,
I know I have told you before but I would like to tell you again, you are my hero. You always have been. You taught me love, compassion, humor and other valuable life lessons. You helped me and my children so much through the years. I miss you so much.
Please give Greggy my love a hug from me. Find Bryan and have a good laugh!
All my love….. Sis
Wayne k. Christensen says
What a GREAT guy. I have known Norm for probably 70 years. Norm worked on our farm when he was in high school. He never forgot his roots and most of all, his friends. When he would come back to Flaxton, he always would come out to the farm and visit, even after my parents had passed. Norm’s smile and laugh were contagious, never to be forgotten. Our sympathy to the Paulson family.
Zane Rodriguez says
My great grandpa Norman was the best I loved his stories the music he played on guitar I didnt get to see him much but when I did it was good memories. I had the most enjoyable family gatherings with him he was such a very good man everyone loved him deep down. I will say this was one of the hardest passings I had to accept he is in a better place love you great grandpa you legacy lives on rest in peace you amazing guy love you dearly great grandson Zane Rodriguez
Stan Putnam says
They don’t come any better than Norm. Great Soldier. Great Guy.
Always concerned about everyone he knew. He placed everyone in front of himself. Rest in peace my friend, we’ll reunite again.
Stan Putnam says
They don’t come any better than Norm. Great Soldier. Great Guy.
Always concerned about everyone he knew. He placed everyone in front of himself. Rest in peace my friend, we’ll reunite again.
Allan V Stricker says
So sorry to hear about Norm’s passing. He and I were friends for 52 years, dating back to when we both worked for Conoco at the refinery in Billings starting in 1974. That seems to have been missed in his obit. Norman and I contrived together to recruit my first member into the Montana Army National Guard – another young man who worked at Conoco.
Over the course of the years Norm and I served the Guard and eventually both in a full-time status. He could always be counted upon to do everything possible for the Guard. Soldiers like Norm don’t come along every day. He will be sorely missed.