Pamela Jo Aasen

Pamela Jo Aasen, 66, passed away peacefully on May 23, 2026, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Pamela was an independent woman whose quiet strength, quick wit, and deep love left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know her. She never sought the spotlight, but her presence brought comfort, laughter, and steadiness to those closest to her. She raised her family in the Twin Cities, where she built a life grounded in resilience, devotion, and care for others. Pamela is survived by her son, Andrew Aasen, and his wife, Megan Aasen; her daughter, Rosie Minnis, and Rosie's husband, Ben Minnis; and her new granddaughter Maeve. She also shared a meaningful lifelong friendship with her former husband, Bob Aasen. Pamela is further survived by her mother Kay Paulson, and her sisters, Terri Camp and Kim Rambur. She was preceded in death by her father David Paulson. A gifted educator with a master's degree in education, Pamela dedicated her life to teaching and supporting children of all needs and abilities. Known affectionately by many as the "cool teacher," she had a special ability to make students feel seen, respected, and valued. She combined her love of music and teaching at the High School for Recording Arts and enjoyed teaching students about Prince and connecting students with the history of hip-hop, rock, and R&B. She approached every child with patience, compassion, and unwavering encouragement. Teaching was never a profession to Pamela, it was who she was. Outside the classroom, Pamela embraced life with curiosity and passion. She was an avid reader who could finish a book in a single day, and had a very good taste in film and music. She was enthusiastic about travel and learned the culture and history of the places she travelled to. As a devout Catholic she served as a docent for many years at the Basilica of St. Mary in Minneapolis, as well as leading tours of the church, which combined her love of the Catholic church, history, and architecture. She loved camping and believed no trip was complete without a fire crackling outside. America's national parks held a special place in her heart, and she found peace and wonder exploring more than fifteen of them over the years. When enjoying the outdoors, Pamela was proficient at spotting birds of prey aka raptors and enjoyed visiting the University of Minnesota's raptor center. She loved owls and eagles especially, and was known for noting that "bald eagles along the river means the river is clean". At home, her beloved cats, Bruno and Hans, were constant companions and a source of comfort and joy. Throughout her illness, Pamela faced every challenge with extraordinary courage and determination. Even in difficult moments, she continued to move forward with strength and grace, inspiring those around her with her resilience. When going through difficult times herself, she would meditate about her challenges and pray for those who were taking care of her as she was always grateful for the exvcellent care she received through the University of Minnesota Hospital East Bank staff, and her primary care team including but not limited to: Dr. Kratzke, Lucia Reihnhardt, and Dr. Rosielle. Her family will remember her as the strongest person they knew: deeply loving, fiercely loyal, and unapologetically herself. Her memory will live on in the stories shared around campfires, in the pages of well-loved books, and in simple joys like orange sherbet and Sebastian Joe's chocolate ice cream - two of her enduring favorites. Pamela will be profoundly missed, lovingly remembered, and forever carried in the hearts of those who knew and loved her. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Pamela Aasen's name to Our Lady of Peace Hospice in St. Paul, Minnesota.

Pamela Jo Aasen

February 2, 1960 - May 23, 2026

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