Thomas Paulson, 51, of Owatonna, died April 24, 2016, at Methodist Hospital in Rochester following a courageous fight against a rare type of liver cancer. He was born February 17, 1965 in Owatonna, MN, the son of James Jim and Shirley (Nelson) Paulson. He grew up in Owatonna where he attended school. He graduated from Owatonna High School, Class of 1983. Tom continued his education at Vo-Tech College in Austin where he received a degree in Ag Mechanics. Following his schooling, he worked at Beske Implement in Minnesota Lake. He was united in marriage to Catherine Cathy Pederson on May 17, 1986 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Owatonna. The couple made their home outside of Owatonna on 34th Avenue. They later purchased the family farm from his parents where they currently reside. Tom has worked as an Ag Mechanic for Nelson Equipment, now known as Ag Power in Owatonna for twenty eight and a half years. He enjoyed farming, restoring tractors, playing softball (in Owatonna and Faribault as well as a co-ed league with his daughter, Allyssa), gardening, building his shop and spending time with his family and friends. He especially enjoyed spending time with his grandson, Jaxon and was eagerly awaiting the arrival of his granddaughter, Sophi. He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Owatonna, the Historical Society and coached the 4-H softball team. Survived by his wife, Cathy of Owatonna; daughter, Allyssa (Duane) Levy of Owatonna; son, Michael (Katie Fisher) Paulson of Owatonna; grandson, Jaxon James Paulson of Owatonna; parents, Jim & Shirley Paulson of Owatonna; step-children, Amy Smith of Las Vegas and Shane Johnson of Cold Spring; brothers, Richard (Lorna) Paulson of Owatonna and Dennis (Wanda) Paulson of Owatonna; his dog and close friend, Buggaboo and many other friends. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Arthur & Dorothy Paulson and Clifford & Evelyn Nelson and other relatives. In keeping with Tom's wishes, there will not be a formal funeral service. There will be a visitation celebrating Tom's life from 4:00 - 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 28th at Michaelson Funeral Home in Owatonna. A private burial will be at a later date. Visitation: 04/28/2016 16:00 04/28/2016 20:00 Service: