Gail Krumrich Brown

Gail Krumrich Brown was born June 5th, 1937 in Oshkosh, Wisconsin to Gaylord Joseph Krumrich and Hester Isabelle Stratton. She graduated Oshkosh High in 1955. Attended college at Northwestern University in Evanston, IL where she pledged Delta Gamma. In 1959 she received her bachelors degree in Speech Pathology.  On June 27th, 1959 in Waupaca County Wisconsin, she married Stanley Kees Paulsen. They took up residence in Indianapolis, Stan’s hometown. They had two children, born in Indianapolis, Blair Stratton Paulsen born May 28th, 1960, and Stephanie Kees Paulsen, born December 21st, 1961.

In 1972 Gail moved to Bloomington, IN where she earned a Masters degree in Language Disorders from Indiana University in 1975. Over the years she provided speech and hearing services in multiple settings. Working at HeadStart and school systems in Indianapolis and Bloomington, IN. The most rewarding part of her professional career came at the First Chance Center where she could apply her skill set effectively working with disadvantaged children.

In 1977 Gail moved to Orange County where she would spend the rest of her life. Gail worked six years as the social director at the French Lick Springs Hotel & Resort. Along the way she re-married to local resident John Brown Jr. (deceased).  They found a simpatico community at the Paoli Mennonite Fellowship, where Gail served as treasurer for many years. Gail was also a big supporter of the Lost River Market & Deli which she visited often. In 2007, Gail lost her beloved daughter Stephanie to cancer at age 45. That experience, and others, led her to a deep dive into end of life issues. She advocated for a proactive stance in preparing one’s self for the inevitable to avoid placing excess strain on grieving relatives when the day did come. She passed at home with close friends March 14th, 2022.

Gail was a true friend and loving daughter, mother and wife. She loved trees and the wonder of nature, choosing a life in harmony with her inner sense of peace and love. She traveled extensively, with a great fondness for the natural world. Gail planted over 500 trees and bought the first certified Energy Star house in Orange county. Preserving natural resources was important to her. Gail contributed to many causes and organizations, including Sisters of St. Benedict, Orange County Humane Society, Doctors Without Borders, Foundation For Women, Heartwood, Indiana University Foundation, Northwestern University, First Chance Center, Feeding America, Riley Children’s Foundation, United We Dream, French Lick West Baden Museum, Amnesty International, American Civil Liberties Union, Salvation Army, Orange County Community Foundation, Southern Poverty Law Center, National Museum of African American History, Alzheimer’s Disease Research, The Gorilla Foundation, Indiana Special Olympics Orange County, Sierra Club, Orange County Habitat For Humanity and many more.

Gail is survived by her son Blair Stratton Paulsen, his wife Alane Anne Gernon-Paulsen, and her grandson Zalen Wayne Paulsen who resides in San Diego, CA. A Memorial service is planned for June 5th, 2022 at the Paoli Mennonite Fellowship. In memoriam donations in her honor can be made to the Paoli Mennonite Fellowship, 2589 N County Rd 100 W, Paoli, IN 47454, or to any of the charities listed above. For condolences visit mcadamsmortuary.com.