Russell C. Pauls

Russell C. Pauls, age 90, of Grand Forks, North Dakota, died Saturday, October 18, 2025, at the Valley Senior Living Center - Woodside Village in Grand Forks, North Dakota, surrounded by the love of his family. As hard as it was for his family to let him go, they felt such joyful relief that he went straight to Jesus and that his body is now fully restored. We are already looking forward to seeing him again in Heaven because we know that we will.

Memorial services will be held at 3:00 p.m., Monday, October 27, 2025, at the Amundson Funeral Home Chapel in Grand Forks, North Dakota. Visitation will be held from 2:00 - 3:00 p.m. prior to the service at the funeral home. There will be a private burial service for immediate family the next day at Memorial Park North Cemetery in Grand Forks.

To watch the recording of the Memorial Service: https://youtu.be/wilBJl00XnY 

To watch the recording of the Graveside Service: https://youtu.be/i5dC8WtCtnU 

Russell Clayton Pauls was born July 28, 1935, in rural Cummings, North Dakota, to Henry and Tillie (Olson) Pauls. Russell grew up on the family farm with his parents and his sister, Joan. They were a close-knit family that did everything together. Life may have been simple for them, but they enjoyed and appreciated each other, their neighbors, and their church. He was baptized and confirmed at Highland Lutheran Church in rural Cummings. Russell and his sister helped their parents on the farm from a very young age. For the first eight years of his education, Russell attended Ervin #4, the one room schoolhouse near his family farm. Here, Russell went to school with his sister, cousins, and many friends. Russell grew very close to the boys in his class, and they remained his life-long friends. He graduated from Hillsboro High School in 1953 and became a farmer alongside his father, Henry. Russell joined the Air National Guard and went to Basic Training in Texas. He then went on to stay in the Guard for a few years and went to guard duty in Fargo. He spoke so very much of this time of service and those he met during that experience.

On September 19, 1970, Russell was united in marriage to Diane Styve in Hillsboro, North Dakota. Together, Russell and Diane had two children, Heather and Matthew. The family lived on the farm and eventually moved to Grand Forks. Russell continued farming the family land after the death of his father. After he retired from farming in 1993, Russell continued to work for over 25 years at Walmart in Grand Forks. He loved working there because of the people that he always saw and got a chance to visit with. Russell was such a dedicated and faithful worker at everything he did in life. He always worked so hard to support his family and was a wonderful husband, father, and provider. Russell finally retired from Walmart when he was 81 years old. He missed it and all the people that he enjoyed seeing.

Russell moved to Edgewood Senior Living in Grand Forks in 2022 and he thrived there; going to so many activities and enjoying so many conversations and friendships. A serious fall while he was taking a walk outside in July of 2024 changed Russell’s life and led to a brain bleed and many surgeries and serious infections from October of 2024 until his death. During this last difficult year, Russell received so much wonderful care at Altru, Valley Senior Living TCU, and Valley Senior Living - Woodside. All of his caregivers commented on how thankful, appreciative, and sweet he was. Russell grew very attached to many of these kind people and they to him. His family will be forever grateful to the many people who lovingly cared for Russell over this past year. We are so glad that he was in the Prairieview neighborhood at Woodside where his care was wonderful.

Anyone who knew Russell in any capacity throughout his life knew that he was a people person. He could make conversation with anyone. He was always interested in everyone else and how they were doing. Russell maintained lifelong friendships with people, even those that he no longer lived nearby. Everyone who knew Russell would describe him as a gentle and sweet person. Russell’s family was the most important thing in his life, and he made sure that they knew that. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and brother, Russell, cared so much about his family members. His children, Heather and Matthew, were very close to him and talked to him every day. He made them feel so very loved and appreciated. Russell was never a boastful or proud man, but he did let everyone know how proud he was of his family. When Heather married Myron, Russell loved him as his own son. Then, when Emma, his only granddaughter, was born, he was truly delighted. Emma and her grandpa were very close, and he was so proud of her. Russell always thought about other people and was so thoughtful to everyone who cared about him.

Russell’s hobbies in life included a lifelong love of the New York Yankees. He became a devoted fan while listening to them play on the radio when he was a young boy in the 1940’s. Russell played baseball himself as a boy and young man. In his younger years, Russell enjoyed golf and bowling and wintertime vacations with his friends. He also enjoyed supporting all UND teams, especially the hockey team. Russell enjoyed reading and history and enjoyed discussing many topics. He was a fan of country music, especially the Statler Brothers.

Russell is survived by his wife of 55 years, Diane Pauls of Grand Forks, ND; daughter, Heather (Myron) Peters of Grand Forks, ND; son, Matthew Pauls of Grand Forks, ND; granddaughter, Emma Peters of Grand Forks, ND; sister, Joan Ruliffson of Fargo, ND; and 3 nieces and 1 nephew.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Tillie Pauls; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Sanford and Della Styve; and brother-in-law, Joe Ruliffson.