HOLLY PAULSEN

Holly (Trupe) Paulsen, age 50, of Isle, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, at Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis, surrounded by her loving family. Holly was a warrior, facing histoplasmosis, mediastinal fibrosis, and pulmonary hypertension with extraordinary courage. In 2013, doctors doubted she would survive another five years, yet Holly’s indomitable spirit carried her forward, blessing her family and friends with 12 more years of her warmth, laughter, and love.

Born on October 2, 1974, in Mora, Minnesota, to Dennis and Mecheal (Dee) Trupe, Holly grew up in Mora, where she graduated from Mora High School in 1993. She embraced motherhood with joy, welcoming her first daughter, Ashlee Norlander, in April 1993, followed by Kayla Stromberg in August 1996. Holly married Erik Paulsen on August 16, 2013, welcoming his sons, Erik “Turk” and Nathan into her heart.

A creative spirit, Holly loved gardening, canning, cooking, and baking, always experimenting with unique recipes to share with loved ones. What truly defined Holly was her devotion to family and friends. She cherished her role as a wife, mother, and “Nana” to her beloved granddaughters.

Holly’s infectious laugh was a gift to all who knew her, a sound that echoed through family gatherings, quiet moments, and shared stories. Her resilience, kindness, and unwavering love touched countless lives, leaving a legacy that will endure in the hearts of her family and community.

Holly now rests in the arms of Jesus. May His love comfort us as we mourn this extraordinary wife, mother, Nana, daughter, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend. Her infectious laugh and boundless love will forever echo in our hearts.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents Frank and Angeline Trupe and John and Dorothy Dee.

Holly is survived by her devoted husband, Erik Paulsen; daughters, Ashlee and Kayla; step-sons, Erik and Nathan; granddaughters, Isabella, Mylee, Leila, Lydia, and Laynee; parents, Dennis and Mecheal Trupe; siblings, Darrin (Morna) Isakson, Nicole (Peter) Peterson, and Heath (Jessica) Trupe; and many cherished nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family.

To celebrate Holly, please wear her favorite colors of sage green or purple.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 3:00 pm on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, at Living Hope Church in Mora.  

Memorial Visitation will be held 2-hours prior, beginning at 1:00 pm at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred.  

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