Paulsrud, Eric David Died October 30, 2013 at his home in St. Paul, MN surrounded by his family. He died quietly after a brief and courageous battle with a rare form of cancer. Visitation will be at Calvary Lutheran Church, 39th and Chicago in south Minneapolis, Thursday, November 7, from 5 to 7:00 p.m. followed by a service for family and friends at 7:15 p.m. The funeral service will be Friday, November 8, at 11 a.m. at Calvary Lutheran Church. A lunch reception at the church will follow the funeral service. Eric was born May 16, 1960 to David and Joan (Swanson) Paulsrud in Tacoma, WA. The son of a military surgeon, Eric and his siblings, Steve and Ann, spent their early years at military postings in Fort Bragg, NC, Washington, DC, Silver Springs, MD, Colorado Springs, CO and Fairbanks, AK before his father began private practice in Sioux City, IA in 1970. Eric graduated from Sioux City North High School in 1978 and went on to attend St. Olaf College. He spent a semester studying at Oxford University in England and graduated from St. Olaf College in 1982 with a major in religion. He married his high school and college sweetheart -- Deborah Mae Thompson on August 7, 1982 at First Lutheran Church in Sioux City, IA with Deborah's father, the Rev. Richard Thompson, officiating. Eric would credit Deborah with being "the greatest influence in my life" and his steadfast rock of support through his nine month ordeal with cancer. Eric attended Hamline Law School, graduating first in his class. He clerked for Judge J. Smith Henley of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 8th Circuit residing in Harrison, AR for two years. Eric then joined the firm of Lewis and Rice in St. Louis, MO. In 1997, he accepted a position with Leonard, Street and Deinard specializing in intellectual property law where he earned the reputation of being a highly effective attorney and supportive colleague. Eric began fatherhood as foster father to Kevin Littlejohn in 1991 continuing to the present. In 2003, Eric and Deborah adopted Isaac, the first of their three children from South Korea. Nathan would follow in 2005 and Jacob in 2008. His sons brought Eric great joy as he helped them discover a sense of wonder through reading, exploring the outdoors, and numerous projects ranging from Lego toy construction to carving pumpkins. It was as a father that Eric found his deepest ability to love and his strongest sense of calling. Eric was a faithful member of Calvary Lutheran Church in Minneapolis where he served a number of roles on the church council. His church family helped nurture Eric's interest in serving the community, helping the poor, and seeking justice and fairness for all. He believed that "Christ came to give comfort to the afflicted and to afflict the comfortable" and so he sought in his life, and in his work, to be Christ's hands and feet. If so desired, memorials may be directed to Paulsrud Children's Trust Fund through Wells Fargo or Children's Legacy Fund (checks made payable to Calvary Lutheran Church). GILL BROTHERS 612-861-6088 gillbrothers.com