Donate in memory of Peter Paulsen

Peter Helmuth Paulsen was born in the village of Schardebüll, in Northern Germany, June 17, 1934.

Peter immigrated to the Midwest, with his Mother and his brother in 1952, after the hardships and turmoil of WWII. At the age of 17, Peter was already a master mason brick layer. With his keen business sense and outstanding quality of construction, he quickly aspired to starting his own business, building beautiful brick homes and apartment complexes in Moline, IL, Paulsen Manor on 41st Street and Towne Crest Manor.

In the mid 1960's Peter and his family moved to Northern California. He continued building homes and business complexes. He also started and owned Commerce Security Bank in Sacramento.

In Bellingham, WA, Peter built more business complexes and The Hotel Bellwether, a European style hotel and helped enhance the Port of Bellingham waterfront.

Peter throughout his life always contributed back to his communities and through his "Peter and Diana Paulsen Foundation," he and his wife Diana continue to give to charities and hospitals enhancing the lives of others. In 2022, the Peter and Diana Paulsen Foundation made a transformational gift of $50 million to the PeaceHealth St. Joseph Stronger Together Campaign support the construction of the Peter Paulsen Pavilion. 

Throughout the years, Peter enjoyed boating on his beautiful yacht named "Freya," loved classical music, dancing, and traveling the world with friends and family.

Peter was preceded in death by his brother Werner Paulsen of Moline, IL.

Peter is survived by his lovely wife Diana and five children; Veronica, Susan, Lisa, Peter Andreas and Lauren; as well as Werner's wife Judy Paulsen and their children; Brian, Rebecca and Brenda, also from Moline.

Peter will be dearly missed by all, and now in heaven, he dances with the angels. Gifts in memory of Peter can be made to support the Stronger Together Campaign which carries on Peter's legacy of supporting patients and the community in Bellingham and Whatcom County. The family also welcomes gifts made in memory of Peter to the charity of your choice.