Stephen M. Paulsen

Stephen M. Paulsen, 59, closed the curtain on a life well-lived on June 28, 2025, due to complications from pneumonia after a long and characteristically stubborn battle with cancer. True to form, he didn’t go quietly — he was surrounded by devoted friends, laughter, and more than one sarcastic comment.

Born with a sharp wit and a helpful heart, Steve claimed to be an introvert but somehow amassed a social network that rivaled small nations. Whether wrangling a cast and crew with the phrase, “Hey, we KNOW people,” or assembling a backyard swing set with minimal injuries, Steve was the kind of friend you could count on — for a show, a project, a ride, or a well-timed, devastating quip. He gave warm hugs, good (and horrible) advice, and unforgettable one-liners in equal measure.

Steve graduated from Ridgewood High School (Ridgewood, NJ, Class of ’84), and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in computer science from Hope College (Class of ’88), where he served as president of the Emersonian Fraternity and, presumably, unofficial minister of sarcasm. He later earned a Master of Fine Arts Degree in theatre management from the University of Alabama / Alabama Shakespeare Festival in 1994 (Roll Tide!). He also proudly marched with the Bayonne Bridgemen Drum Corps.

He applied his theater skills to stages and screens (and IT departments) across the country. His resume was a greatest hits list: AT&T, Roundabout Theatre Company (Director of IT), Tickets.com (yes, including Carnegie Hall), Carson Four Rivers Center (VP of Business and IT), and eventually Grand Rapids, where he served as office manager at Lowing Light & Grip and even graced the big screen in the feature film “Case 137.” He co-wrote the holiday melodrama “Trouble at Holly’s Holiday Emporium...or...He's Checkin' it Twice.” Most recently, he participated in several productions of “The Presentation,” serving as actor, advisor, and script doctor.

Steve was a dramaturge, performer, mentor, and advisor to many, especially to those brave enough to put on a show with him. His behind-the-scenes presence was often the glue (or, more likely, gaff tape) holding a production together.

Stephen is survived by his mother Diana (Rob) Walker; father, the Rev. Peter (Beth) Paulsen; and sisters, Grace (Danny delAguilar), and Sarah (Brandon) Perkins and niece Serena Perkins. He is preceded in death by his brother, Chris, who no doubt is already updating him on everything he missed and critiquing the afterlife marching routine.

There will never be another quite like Steve. He lived life like a perfectly timed punchline: unexpected, sharp, and deeply memorable.

In lieu of flowers, consider gathering your people, putting on a show, helping with a project, or just giving someone a solid hug. Bonus points if you do it with a wink, annoyed sigh, and a well-placed eye-roll.

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