Ronald V. Paulseen

Ronald Virgel Paulseen was born in McPherson, Kansas April 8, 1949 in the home of Paul Virgel Wanigold Paulseen and Elva Olivia Ledell Paulseen loving parents who showed he and his sister Virdell Paulseen Shay what really mattered in life. Ron was raised in a strong Lutheran home around a lot of extended aunts, uncles, first and second cousins. He was given tenants in life that would serve him well, a passion to work hard, a desire to do things right the first time and an interest in serving people. 

His childhood was spent working alongside his dad at Paulseen Construction Company; there Ron would learn to make just about anything with wood. Ron poured every free moment into his life as a Boy Scout and lived life proud to have achieved his Eagle Scout. 

He worked at the Peterson lumberyard in high school but headed off to college at his dear Bethany in Lindsborg just 14 miles from home. He studied hard knowing exactly how much work at the lumberyard it took to pay for each course credit. While studying at Bethany College he met the love of his life, Jenny Peck. He graduated Magna Cum Laude in three and half years. He continued his work at the lumberyard to get his bride to be through school. They married on December 27, 1970, followed by Jenny’s graduation from Bethany College in spring of 1972 and settled in Wichita, Kansas. 

Ron always called his life “divinely guided”, and his first and only job after the lumberyard kept him in awe of that thought throughout his life. On April 17, 1972 he signed his contract with the New York Life, a decision 22 year old Ron could never imagine the impact it would have on him. The business was extremely difficult, especially for someone who had just moved to the biggest town he ever been in and knew no one. Ron was extremely determined to succeed and did everything he was told to do, excelling immediately. Throughout his 50 year career, Ron became internationally known as one of the most enjoyed speakers on The Million Dollar Round Table main platform and was a member of the highly coveted Top of the Table for over four decades. He was known for making complex concepts simple. He was a leader, serving as president of several prestigious organizations, The Agents Advisory Council, The Nautilus Group and NYLARC, the largest agent-owned reinsurance company in the country. His career allowed Ron to meet the most special people to him, clients, who became dear friends and colleagues who became his brothers. 

He and Jenny raised two children, Aeramy (Porter) and Brandon and have three grandchildren, Trip Porter, Hadley Porter and Brann Paulseen. All who met Ron knew his family meant more to him than anything. He beamed with pride telling anyone he met about his kids and grandchildren. He was an exemplary father who gave of himself more than any child could ever ask. He never missed an event and was always available to listen, to laugh and to love through the good, the bad, and the ugly. To his children he was more than their dad, he was their best friend, confidant, mentor, and biggest champion- the greatest gift a child could ever receive. 

In 1998 he purchased a dream come true for him, El Rancho del Ronnie V ~ a treasured property equidistant from his home in McPherson and Lindsborg, the town where he and Jenny met. This became his refuge, where he would go to recharge weekly. He had a full function shop equipped with many of the tools from his father’s construction business. He built countless sets of shelves for his kids’ homes, his garage, his office, they were such a gift! He spent hours upon hours mowing and grooming his property – it was impeccable, the most beautiful in the county. He and Jenny entertained family, friends, colleagues, held board meetings, reunions, study group meetings, girl’s trips, guy’s trips and even Brandon and Lindsay’s wedding. To those who have had the honor to experience El Rancho del Ronnie V we hope those memories will stay with you for life and inspire you to live like infamous Ronnie V. 

Ron was a great philanthropist and loved to share his time, treasure and talent. He served on the board of trustees at Wichita Collegiate School for 15 years and always sang their praises telling everyone, “Jenny and I paid for two educations but got four”. He also served as a board member and benefactor of Bethany College. He daily improved the lives of others with countless acts of generosity. The world has lost a mortal angel, but he can now do what he loves most, serve others as their guardian angel for eternity. 

As written by Ron’s oldest grandchild, Trip, in his senior Good Life paper, “Respect is ultimately the end goal of a good life. Not because you will achieve high positions, friendships or success, but it means you have fulfilled your duties through good and genuine actions.” This WAS Ron Paulseen. 

He was preceded in death by his dear parents, Paul Virgel Wanigold Paulseen and Elva Olivia Ledell Paulseen of McPherson, KS. He is survived by his sister, Virdell (Paulseen) Shay of Derby, His wife of 55 years, Jenny (Peck) Paulseen of Wichita, KS, daughter and son-in-law Aeramy (Paulseen) and Tyler Porter, Son and Daughter-in-law Brandon and Lindsay (Pestinger) Paulseen and grandchildren, Trip Porter, Hadley Porter, and Brann Paulseen, all of Wichita, KS.