Carolyn J. (Paulsen) Matthie, 91, died peacefully on August 11, 2025, in the wonderful care of the staff at Crane Gardens Memory Care, with visits from her family prior to her passing. She held dear both her family and her faith in Jesus Christ.

Carolyn was born on the Paulsen family farm near Oak, on June 13, 1934. She learned the value of hard work and treating others with kindness from an early age. Her youthful claim to fame was pitching baseballs to Nelson’s pro baseball player, Russ Snyder.

Carolyn graduated from Nelson High School in 1952, where she met her first husband, Lendall Meyer. Carolyn attended Fairbury Junior College and earned a teaching certificate. Lendall and Carolyn married and had two children, Mark and Cheryl. They raised their family in Lincoln.

Carolyn worked as an AMWAY distributor, an employment counselor, and a real estate agent. She was especially proud to start her own employment agency—A Better Career Placement Service— which was a great success.

In 1984, she met her third husband, Keith Matthie, from Ontario, whom she dearly loved, and they were married.

Carolyn enjoyed returning to her farming roots, traveling, and watching the Huskers play whenever she could catch a game on television in Ontario. Following Keith’s passing, she returned to Nebraska to live near her daughter.

Carolyn was a joyful person who loved visits from her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She had fun playing Bingo and always enjoyed opportunities to sing hymns. She was blessed to celebrate her ninetieth birthday at Valentino’s with many relatives and friends.

Carolyn was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and two sisters.

Those left to cherish her memory include her son, Mark Meyer of Centennial, Colorado; her daughter, Cheryl Wegner, and husband Delton of Central City; two grandchildren, Michael Wegner and his wife Olga of Central City and Mikayla Deckinger and her husband Nathan of Overland Park, Kansas; and two great-grandchildren, Logan and Maleah.

Carolyn is also survived by her beloved Canadian step-family, including: Ann Cunningham and her husband Ron; David Matthie and his wife Shelly; Steve Matthie and his wife Laurie; Stan Matthie and his partner Donna Brazeau; Brian Matthie and his wife Brenda; Ruth McNulty and her husband Dan; along with sixteen grandchildren and fifteen great-grandchildren.

Graveside services will be held in October for immediate family only. Memorials are suggested to Crane Gardens Memory in Grand Island.

The Republican-Nonpareil | September 11, 2025