Paula Mae Nyhus

Paula Mae Nyhus, age 56, passed away peacefully on May 11, 2026, at home in Austin, MN, with her family at her side. She was preceded in death by her mother, Kathleen (Karlsrud) Nyhus, stepmother Margaret (Pritchard) Nyhus, grandparents Elmer and Viola Karlsrud, grandparents Rowland and Edna Nyhus, step-grandmother Hazel Nyhus, beloved great-grandmother Barbara Crain, and Aunt Jenifer (Keliher) Nyhus. 

Paula was born on November 11, 1969, to Curtis and Kathleen Nyhus in Chippewa Falls, WI. The family spent several years on a farm above Cobban Bridge and later moved to Chippewa Falls. She graduated from Chippewa Falls High School (Chi-Hi) in 1988. Paula was a good student and a hard worker throughout her life. She played the trombone in the Chi-Hi band under Mr. Greenhall, sang in the choir, and ran cross- country. She was an avid runner all her adult life. For many years, Paula delivered papers, first for the Chippewa Herald Telegram (as well as serving sometimes as a photographer), and later for the St. Paul Pioneer Press. 

Paula resided in Saint Paul for many years with her husband, Jim. She was a lover of life, people, art, animals, tasty food, and road trips. Paula and Jim went on countless road trips together, traveling everywhere from Jay Cooke State Park, Lake Superior, and the Gun Flint Trail to Yellowstone National Park. Paula was always the happiest on those trips, next to spending time with her children and grandchildren, whom she adored.

Paula is survived by her husband Jim Colonna, father Curtis Nyhus, sister Cynthia (Darin) Boos, and brother Christ (Diane) Nyhus, children Grace (Brandon) Tanko, Kenneth (Kate Jisoon) Trudeau Jr., Faith Amaro (Corran Cuff), Aaron Bender, Luke Bender, grandchildren Summer Souders, Avery Heinritz, Liliana Heinritz, Presley Tanko, Isaiah Juwon Trudeau, and Jovian Cuff, Aunt Marcia (Tim Caven), Aunt and Godmother Sally Nyhus, Uncle Timothy Nyhus, special friend Phil Rad, kitties Sasha and Spooky, along with a host of relatives and friends.

A gathering for family and friends will be held on Saturday, July 25, 2026, from 4:00- 8:00PM at Kessler and Maguire 640 7th St W, St Paul, MN 55102. A brief service and sharing time will begin at 4:30PM.