He began school in Outlook where he attended through sixth grade. Kevin then moved with his family to Plentywood in the fall of 1971 and went on to graduate from Plentywood High school in 1977. Among his many accomplishments, Kevin was State Champion in the 440-yard dash and was a member of the 1976 state class A Championship basketball team.


Kevin went on to continue his educational and athletic career at the University of Montana of Missoula, where he found his calling of becoming a life-long Griz fan. In addition to receiving his B.S in Education, and later earning his Masters in Education-Guidance and Counseling, he also competed in track. He also demonstrated the ultimate Griz Fan ideology to his family over the many Saturday nights on the Missoula campus.


Following his college graduation, he began his teaching career at Plentywood High School. Kevin was in his 25th year as a guidance counselor, teacher, and track coach. His tenure of coaching track was the longest in the history of Plentywood High. During his outstanding career, Kevin also taught in the classroom and coached football and basketball. Kevin cherished every moment he spent within the walls and fields of Plentywood High School.


It was during his fourth year of teaching when he met the love of his life Norma (Nielsen) Paulson. After dating for seven years, they married in 1993, and he became the rock of the family and helped raise two wonderful children, Kristin and Ryan.


Kevin had many passions in life and Montana Grizzly Football was one of them. He looked forward to every cannon boom, every skydiver, and every "First down, MONTANA" ever uttered in Washington-Grizzly Stadium. Kevin was the definition of a Griz fan. He never missed a single game, whether he drove "across the street" to Missoula for the weekend, flew to Chattanooga for the National Championship, or took up a stool at Cassidy's in Plentywood, he was, and always will be, the epitome of Montana Football.


Every summer without question, you could find Kevin working on his prized garden that he and Norma grew together. His Paulson Pride Salsa was worth its weight in gold, and was coveted by all who received it.


Kevin was full of many wise sayings, also known as "Kevin-isms", which he instilled on the hearts of the many people he met along his way. "Keep your knees bent" was not only for meant for athletics, but for everyday living. And the all-important advice: PMA or Positive Mental Attitude. Kevin believed strongly in Carpe Diem, and lived every day to the fullest. From jumping off the diving board on his bike into the city pool to staying up till all hours of the night hanging out at the Oxford in Missoula, Kevin never missed a moment. It seems that everyone knew Kevin and had their own special story about him. The "I remember when Kevin and I" stories or one of the many "Kevin-isms" will echo on many ears for years to come.


Kevin was devoted to our Lord and Savior, and it was a proud moment when he was elected as the President of the Reserve Lutheran Church and of the Medicine Lake Lutheran Parish. He supported the local theatre and arts, enjoyed participating in the Antelope theater and refereed sporting events around the county. In addition to all of these activities, Kevin was a crop-hail adjuster, and was a fixture on most farms and many insurance agencies throughout Northeast Montana.


Kevin leaves behind a family who will miss him dearly. His wife Norma and children, son Ryan Nielsen, and daughter Kristin (Nielsen) Kelm her husband Randy, and their son Nolan, who brought such joy and happiness to the final years of Kevin's life. His parents, Gene and Rosemary Paulson of Plentywood, his favorite sister, Cynthia Paulson and son Alex Lagerquist of Westby, brothers Kent and his wife Joan of Whitefish and children Kale, Krista and Kurtis. Kerry, and his wife Cindy and children Henry and Audrey Rose of Chicago. Keith, his wife Bobbie of El Paso. Kraig and his wife Jody and children Keogh, Elias, and Rokken of Missoula. His nephew, Blaine Hancock of Reserve and Kelly (Hancock) Duke, her husband Jason and child Lauren of Billings. Kevin also leaves behind numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins who will miss him deeply.


Kevin leaves behind a wonderful and caring faculty and administration at Plentywood Schools who were so close to him. He will also be missed by the hundreds of students that he helped guide through their lives during his 25 years in a job that he truly loved.


Kevin taught us all to live in the moment. And while we try to do this, we will always know that Kevin was the master. We can only envy his never-ending optimism, his love for life, and his respect and dedication to every individual that he met. Kevin did more than most people do in a lifetime, and adored every minute of it. Kevin was our Rock, our Number One Fan, and our Hero.


The family asks that donations in Kevin's name be made to PEAF, The Reserve Lutheran Church, or Sheridan Memorial Hospice Foundation.


Fulkerson Funeral Home of Plentywood has charge of arrangements.