Sandi Paulsen

Sandra Jean Paulsen, age 75, was born on February 19, 1951, to Bill and Lena Mae (Masching) Metheny at the family home in Cass County. Sandi went to heaven on March 19th, 2026, at her home, surrounded by her family.

Sandi grew up living next to the “tree in the middle of the road” in Audubon County. She attended school in Anita and Exira community schools, graduating from Exira High School in 1969.

Sandi was united in marriage to the love of her life, Steven Lynn, on June 20, 1969 at the Community Bible Church in Anita, Iowa. Together they shared 56 years of marriage and were blessed with two children: Tracy Mae and Shawn Michael.

Sandi worked her early years doing office jobs. She later found her passion and gift of working in the healthcare field. Sandi worked many years at the Anita Nursing Home, Cass County Memorial Hospital, the Adair Nursing Home, and at Community Care Center in Stuart until her retirement. Sandi was a natural-born caregiver who was dedicated to providing quality care and respect to the residents she worked with. Sandi loved going to work every day and demonstrated her passion for her job.

Sandi and Steve worked as a team, always building/remodeling their home. Sandi was the decorator and boss, and Steve handled the planning and labor of the projects. Together, they created homes they loved.

Sandi had a green thumb and could make anything grow. She loved her plants and flowers. Sandi was known for her baking. Some of her specialties that will be missed are her homemade soft caramel candy, fudge, buttermilk brownies and frosted angel food birthday cakes.

Above all else, Sandi’s greatest love was her family. As a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, she treasured time with her family, making memories. Her priority in life was to make sure her children and grandchildren were cared for and loved. She beamed with joy and pride when talking about her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She loved spending time with her grandchildren, cooking for them, reading to them, having tea parties, and making craft projects together.

Sandi is preceded in death by her parents, Bill and Lena Mae Metheny; her sisters, Judy Alff and Jane Kline; brothers, Sheldon Metheny, Stanley Metheny and Steve Metheny; her parents-in-law Norman and Verda Mae Paulsen, brothers-in-law Mike Paulsen and Gary Paulsen.

Sandi is survived by her husband Steve Paulsen, her children Tracy Mae Wilson and Shawn Michael Paulsen, all of Anita. Grandchildren: Shaylin (Brandon) Wilson, Tyler (Chelsey) Wilson, Tucker Paulsen, Brody Paulsen, and Makade Paulsen. Great-grandchildren Greysen Mae Luke, Brixen Luke, Navey Wilson, and Saylor Wilson, and her beloved dog Bailey. Brother Sam (Linda) Metheny and sister Cathie Alff. Sisters in Law Debbie (Bob) Davis, Pam (Don) Routh, and Laurie (Jeff) Morrissey, brother-in-law Monty Paulsen. And many special nieces and nephews.

Sandi will be remembered for her kindness, her generosity, and her deep love for her family. She was incredibly loved and deeply missed. We find comfort knowing she is in Heaven looking over us as our guardian angel.

Public visitation with the family will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 26, 2026, at the Schmidt Family Funeral Home of Anita.

Memorials may be directed to the Paulsen Family, as they will be designated at a later date in her memory. They may be mailed to the Schmidt Family Funeral Home, P.O. Box 523, Atlantic, IA 50022.

Services are entrusted to the Schmidt Family Funeral Home of Anita, IA.