Jerry's Foods Namesake, Founder Dies at 89

Gerald "Jerry" Paulsen, creator of the iconic Jerry's Foods group of stores and longtime Edina resident, died late last week at the age of 89.

Paulsen, who was born May 1, 1923 in Minneapolis, passed away peacefully in his sleep at his Edina home on Friday, April 5, according to an obituary from Washburn-McReavy Funeral Chapels.

He was a 1941 graduate of South High School, earning a scholarship to the Minneapolis School of Business along the way. Paulsen's studies were delayed several years, as he served in the U.S. Army during World War II, fighting as part of the 69th Infantry Division in Belgium and Germany.

Paulsen started working part-time as a butcher at the Grandview Market in Edina in 1947, while working toward his business degree at the University of Minnesota. Three years later, Paulsen moved to the opposite side of Vernon Avenue to open Jerry's Lucky Dollar, near the site of the current Jerry's Foods store.

Over the decades, Jerry's Enterprises has grown to a total of 37 stores—including Cub, County Markets, Save-a-Lot and Jerry's Foods—in addition to other commercial and real estate investments. The company consists of more than 3,400 employees today.

Paulsen was active with the Edina Rotary, Salvation Army, United Way and the Zurah Shrine. He often spent summers at his hobby farm in Annandale, MN, playing tennis, golfing, walking and tending to his flower beds and gardens. Many of his winters were spent on Sanibel Island, FL, which today boasts the only Jerry's Foods store outside of Minnesota.

He is survived by Shirley, his wife of 66 years, and daughters Charlotte Shadduck of Annandale, LuAnn Cornell of Minnetonka and Cheryl Sullivan of Edina. 

Funeral service is scheduled for noon on Wednesday, April 10, at Mount Olivet Lutheran Church, 5025 Knox Ave. S. Visitation will precede the service at 11 a.m. at Mount Olivet, in addition to an additional visitation period from 5-8 p.m. on Tuesday, April 9, at Washburn-McReavy's Eden Prairie Chapel, 7625 Mitchell Road.

Memorials are preferred to Mount Olivet Lutheran Church or to the charity of the donor's choice. 

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