Paula Rae Halstenson

Paula Rae Halstenson
Sheldon, Iowa
Paula Rae Halstenson, age 79, of Sheldon, Iowa, passed away on Tuesday, April 7, 2020 at the Sanford Sheldon Senior Care in Sheldon, Iowa. Private Family Visitation will be Friday, April 10, 2020 at the Vander Ploeg Funeral Home in Sheldon, Iowa.
A Private Family Graveside Service will be Friday, April 10, 2020 at the East Lawn Cemetery in Sheldon, Iowa.
Due to state and federal guidance on gatherings due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the family will not be having a public memorial at this time.
The Halstenson Family appreciates your Love and Support. Online condolences are sincerely appreciated.
Arrangements are under the care of Vander Ploeg Funeral Home in Sheldon.
Online condolences may be sent to www.vanderploegfunerals.com

Paula Rae (Larson) Halstenson, age 79, passed away on Tuesday, April 7, 2020, at the Sheldon Sanford Care Center’s Memory Unit. Under the light of the pink moon, she was called home at 8:44 pm. Paula was born on April 29, 1940, in Stevens Point, Wisconsin to Clayton and Doris (Howarth) Larson. She attended Minneapolis public schools until the Larson family moved to Worthington, MN. Paula was a 1958 graduate of Worthington Senior High School where she loved playing percussion in the band.
In 1959, Paula was united in marriage to Roger Sanders, and the couple had two sons, Brett Alan (1960) and Jeffrey Lee (1962). After being widowed, Paula married Gerald Halstenson on October 24, 1964, and together they had three daughters: Nancy Ann (1966), Lori Jean (1967), and Amy Beth (1971), who were all born in Slayton, MN. Some of her best years were spent in Slayton on Pine Avenue, where Paula was a busy wife and mother of 5 active children. She enjoyed having coffee with the neighborhood women, golfing in league, and playing bridge. The family resided in Worthington Minnesota from 1973 until 1980 when Jerry’s job with Production Credit Association necessitated a final move to Sheldon, IA. Sheldon was where Paula spent the remainder of her life, attending her daughters’ activities, cooking and baking, and always putting everyone else’s needs before her own. Paula was an attentive mother, who was full of compassion, love, and commitment to her family.
Paula found a lifelong friend in Jan Rolston, who she began working for at Countree Breezes. She loved spending time at the lake, listening to the loons, and riding her bike while enjoying the changing seasons. Paula loved nature, the fall season, and in particular, the moon. How fitting that the Lord called her home under the pink, full moon.
Paula developed dementia in her early 70’s, necessitating placement at the Sanford Senior Care Memory Unit in February of 2015. The small unit and consistent caregivers provided her the structure and safety needed to live the best life possible under the circumstances. The family will be forever grateful for the love, care, and kindness that was shown to Paula over the 5 years of her residency. In the end, the nurses and staff shared in the loss of our dear mother: They were part of her family, too.
Paula is survived by her children, Brett Sanders, Jeff (Julie) Sanders, Nancy (Jeff) Johnson, Lori (Darin) Granstra, and Amy Halstenson. Paula’s adored grandchildren include Lexi Bumby, Morgan Bumby, Spencer Bumby, Carter Bumby, Riley Johnson, and Sam Johnson; Brennan (Rachel) Granstra and their children, Georgia and Lillian; Jacob (Meghan) Granstra and their son, Brody; Jeffrey (Brooke) Granstra and their children, Wyatt and Briar; Ben Granstra, and Olivia Granstra; as well as Jessica Bache and Lauren Bache.
Grateful for having shared her life are Paula’s little brother, Thomas Clayton, whom she adored, and her only sister, Nancy (Crowe), who preceded her in death. Paula was loved dearly by her in-laws, including Gail DeBettignies, Marvel Evenson, Nancy (Mike) Anderson, Reid Evenson, and Wayne Crowe, as well as numerous beloved nieces and nephews. Special thanks goes to her faithful and steadfast best friend, Jan Rolston, who was a constant source of love and support throughout her days.
Paula was preceded in death by her husband, Jerry, parents Clayton and Doris, in-laws Roy and Catherine, her sister Nancy, daughter-in-law Kim, Godson Doug Evenson, and brother-in-law Dick DeBettignies.
Godspeed to our precious mother.