Janyce Paulsen

"Janyce Cook, you want to dance?" One simple question asked in the Memorial Hall in Montezuma, Iowa is all that was needed to start a life of happiness, love, and family between Kim and Janyce Paulsen. Janyce "Jani" Elaine Cook passed away Monday, May 22, 2017 peacefully in her sleep. Janyce "Jani" Elaine Cook Paulsen was born in Oskaloosa, Iowa on November 23, 1947 to Leon "Doc" Cook and Mary Rupple Cook. She was the younger of two children. Anyone who knows Jani knows that horses are not only a passion, but her favorite past-time. She loved horse camp when she was young, and in fact rode her horse down to the local store so much that she had her own hitching post in the back. Jani attended high school in Montezuma where she met the love of her life, Kim Paulsen. After that fateful dance in the Memorial Hall, Kim and Jani became inseparable. The couple decided to make their love official to the world after high school by getting married. They lived across the nation (after college and the Navy) moving to California, Iowa, Chicago, and then landing in Idaho. Jani started her job as a manager for the US Department of Housing and Urban Development. After settling in Pocatello, she became an office manager at Idaho State University where she worked in the Theatre, Mass Communications and Speech Department for over 20 years. She enjoyed her time at ISU, but she soon left that job to start her career with her husband Kim. They tirelessly worked to grow their company, MicroProteins Inc., into a wildly successful business. Work did not consume Jan's life entirely. She also volunteered for the Battered Women Crisis Line at the YWCA in Pocatello. She was never afraid to step in and fight on the front lines with the police to protect women from abusive relationships. Jani also has always loved animals, caring for many dogs, horses, bunnies, birds, and chipmunks throughout her life. Jani's love of horses soon led her into the world of horse racing. She was known around the race track for two things; the first being her reputation for respect and success with her husband in the horses that they raced, the second part of her reputation was her infectious smile, passionate laugh, and her confidence in wearing bright sparkling clothing. Everyone; her friends and her friends children, lovingly referred to her as Granni Jani. Jani was not only a winner on the track, but also on the slot machines and the card game of Bridge. Jani has been referred to many times as a "lucky" person because of her winnings on the track, slots, and cards. However, we do not think that luck is why she won. Janyce Paulsen was a winner because she was not afraid to bet. This is a lesson we can all learn from her. We must seize the day, take advantage of our opportunities, and above all else, never be afraid to say yes to a dance, because it just might be the beginning of your story. Janyce is survived by Kim Paulsen (husband); Shawn (Chris) Paulsen (son); Stephanie Paulsen (daughter); four grandchildren, Hayden, Kade, Alex, and Madison Paulsen; and many family and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents. Memorial contributions may be made in Janyce Paulsen's name to: (local) Family Services Alliance of Southeast Idaho -- Crisis Center, 355 S. Arthur Avenue, Pocatello, Idaho 83204 OR White Bird Appaloosa Horse Rescue http://www.whitebirdapps.com/help-the-cause/ Funeral services will be on Saturday, May 27, 2017 at 11 am at the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, 215 N. 18th Ave, Pocatello, ID 83201.

Funeral Service

05/27/2017 11:00



Colonial Chapel

2005 S 4th Ave

Pocatello

Idaho

83201