Norman R. Paulson (Stormin’ Norman) passed away peacefully October 10, 2025, at his home in Helena, with his family and his favorite music playing. Norm was born September 24, 1934 in Woburn, ND to John L. Paulson and Flossie M. (Frazier) Paulson. 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 followed by service in the Montana Army National Guard where he served on Active Duty until his retirement. He had a deep love and conviction for his fellow Soldiers 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 life long member of the North Dakota VFW where he earned a distinguished appointment to the Military Order of the Cooties, he continued being active in the VFW in Montana.
While working for the Soo Line Railroad with the B&B (Bridge and Building) crew. His brother Neal was already working for Soo Line and knew our mother because her father, Oscar Grendal was the depot agent for the Soo Line. Neal told dad he had a job for him and a girl to meet. 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.
In addition to his love of family and the military, he loved wood working. He was always on hand to help build an addition to a home, a new garage or a simple shelf or personal project. Telling tall tales about his life and many adventures growing up in Flaxton, ND was another pastime he enjoyed. His stories were legendary and countless. If you met him, you loved him. He made us all laugh with his wonderful sense of humor.
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