Wayne Paulson

Wayne L. Paulson September 5, 1934 – September 29, 2024

Wayne L. Paulson, a revered figure in environmental engineering, a devout Lutheran, and a dedicated family man, passed away peacefully on September 29, 2024, leaving behind a profound legacy of education, faith, and service to both his community and the field he loved.

Born on September 5, 1934, in the family home on George Street in La Crosse, Wisconsin, Wayne was the fifth son of Rudolph and Clara Paulson. Growing up in a lively household on the North Side of La Crosse, Wayne learned the values of hard work, humility, and community early in life. His entrepreneurial spirit emerged at age 12, when a birthday bicycle led him to take on two paper routes. From there, he quickly found more ways to contribute, earning money by shoveling snow, mowing lawns, and working in local businesses. These experiences planted the seeds of his life-long work ethic, curiosity, and desire to make a positive impact.

At Logan High School he was an honored multi-sport athlete and state qualifier in Tennis, a lifelong passion. After graduating from Logan High School in 1952, Wayne spent two years at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse before enlisting in the U.S. Navy. His service took him to the Mediterranean, instilling a global perspective and discipline that would guide him throughout his life. Upon his return, Wayne enrolled at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he earned his B.S.C.E. degree in 1959 and his M.S. in Environmental Engineering in 1960.

A pivotal moment in Wayne’s life occurred in 1956 when he met Nancy Hall on a blind date. The two fell in love and were married the following year, beginning a partnership that would span more than six decades. Together, they created a home filled with love, mutual respect, and a deep commitment to their faith.

In 1960, Wayne accepted a teaching position at the University of Iowa, a place that would become both his professional home and a center for his life's work. In 1964 he received his Ph.D. in Environmental Engineering. His dedication to the fields of water quality, wastewater treatment, and hazardous waste management helped shape the university’s Environmental Engineering program into one of national renown. Over the course of 40 years, Wayne mentored more than 1,500 undergraduates and 400 graduate students. Known affectionately as “WLP” by his students and colleagues, Wayne was much more than a professor; he was a compassionate mentor who cared deeply about the personal and professional growth of those around him. He championed hands-on learning, frequently taking his students on field trips across the Midwest to observe water treatment operations, and always blending rigorous academic instruction with real-world experience.

Wayne’s pioneering research on fine pore aeration systems (FPA) for the activated sludge process was groundbreaking, significantly improving the energy efficiency of wastewater treatment plants. His passion for innovation was matched by his dedication to sustainability and environmental stewardship, a legacy that continues to influence the field today.

Beyond academia, Wayne was an active participant in his community. A lifelong member of the Lutheran Church, Wayne’s faith was the guiding principle of his life. He was confirmed at Bethel Lutheran Church in La Crosse in 1948 and remained a devoted member of the Lutheran community throughout his life. His actions reflected the core Lutheran values of service, compassion, and

humility. Whether through his involvement in church committees or his quiet acts of kindness to those in need, Wayne lived his faith every day. He found joy in serving others and shared his love for God with everyone he encountered.

In 2001, Wayne and Nancy retired to Stoughton, Wisconsin, where they remained active in their community, pursuing passions such as biking, hiking, birding, photography, and travel. Wayne took great pride and joy in fostering a 30-year family tradition of annual trips to Black's Cliff Resort in Northern Wisconsin. These cherished gatherings were filled with fishing, swimming, storytelling, and the deep bonds of family connection that Wayne valued so highly. His love for nature and the simple pleasures of life shone during these trips, where generations came together to create lasting memories. Wayne’s deep appreciation for his Norwegian heritage culminated in a meaningful 2012 journey to his ancestral farm in the Lillehammer region of Norway. This trip allowed him to connect with the land of his ancestors, paying homage to his roots and enriching the family’s cultural legacy with stories that would be passed down through the generations. Even in retirement, Wayne continued to foster connections with alumni and faculty, and his influence remained strong at the University of Iowa and beyond.

Wayne and Nancy raised three children: Andrew (Dawn Zelensky), Jeanette (Gayle Ihlenfeld), and Ellen (Erik Dovre), who were the light of his life. He instilled in them the values of curiosity, hard work, and love of learning that had always guided him. He was a proud grandfather to eight grandchildren: Julie (Joe Schultz) Schultz, Ben Paulson, Jack Paulson, Kate Paulson, Srivalli (Dillon Henke) Paulson Ihlenfeld, Sitara Ihlenfeld Paulson, Luke (Mary Ladisa) Dovre, and Anna (Anna Germundson) Dovre, and his five great-grandchildren. Wayne’s legacy of kindness, wisdom, and generosity will continue to live on through them.

Wayne’s professional accolades were many, but he never sought recognition. His life was a testament to the power of quiet leadership, the importance of mentorship, and the transformative impact of education. His warm smile, quick wit, and deep love for his family, students, and community will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

Wayne is survived by his beloved wife Nancy, his three children, eight grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, and his extended family and friends. He is now reunited with those who preceded him in death, held close in the embrace of the faith that sustained him throughout his life.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made reflecting his lifelong commitment to education and environmental conservation in support of the Wayne L. Paulson Scholarship Fund.

University of Iowa Center for Advancement 

P.O. Box 4550

Iowa City, IA 52244-4550.

On the memo line or on a note attached, please indicate “Gift in memory of Professor Wayne L. Paulson.”

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Comfort Keepers and Agrace Hospice for their unwavering support during Wayne’s final days. Comfort Keepers' compassionate caregivers brought warmth

and peace into our home, offering comfort through their dedicated care. Agrace Hospice, with their profound belief in dignity and hope, ensuring Wayne’s final journey was filled with grace. Your kindness and dedication will forever be remembered. Thank you for being there when we needed it most.

Please join us for a memorial service to be held on Saturday, November 2nd, 2024, at Midvale Lutheran Church, 4329 Tokay Boulevard, Madison, Wisconsin.

Schedule of Events:

· 12:30 – 2:00 PM: Drop-in visitation

· 2:00 – 3:00 PM: Memorial service

· 3:00 – 4:00 PM: Light reception

Mange Tusen Takk, WLP.