Paulette Adair Kapaun

Paulette Adair Kapaun of Saint Paul, Minnesota, peacefully passed away surrounded by her family on Sunday, May 31, 2026, after a courageous and prolonged battle with multiple cancers.

Born on September 1, 1951, in South Saint Paul, Minnesota, she was the daughter of Herman and Joyce Skog. Paulette graduated with honors from South Saint Paul Senior High School as a member of the Class of 1969.

Throughout her professional career, Paulette worked as a legal secretary, dedicated herself to community service, and successfully operated her own business—all while raising her family in Saint Paul, Minnesota, in the home where they resided for 52 years.

On July 8, 1972, Paulette married her lifelong partner, Harold “Sonnie” Kapaun Jr., in a private ceremony in South Dakota. Over the course of 54 years, they created many cherished memories outside of their immediate home. Paulette and Sonnie raised a family that includes children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and numerous other relatives across the country.

Paulette possessed a remarkable talent for crafts and had a passion for gardening. She enjoyed camping, fishing, and attending nearly every family event she could. She was known for catching “The Biggest Fish” and was often the planner and organizer behind family gatherings and activities. Paulette loved traditions, especially during the holidays. She delighted in transforming their home with elaborate decorations, costumes, treats, and festivities for family, friends, and neighbors. Whether she was crafting, cooking, decorating, or sharing a joke, she had a way of bringing people together and making every occasion special. Her home was a welcoming place filled with laughter, creativity, and love.

Her resilience, sense of humor, and strength enabled her to face her cancer journey with unwavering determination over more than 12 years. With the dedicated support of staff at M Health Cancer Center, Paulette underwent numerous treatments and procedures, often referring to the staff as “Angels on Earth” and considering them part of her extended family. In her spirit of generosity, she and Sonnie frequently visited the cancer center dressed in costumes and brought treats and small gifts to uplift others. Paulette and Sonnie exemplified kindness and inspired many across generations and distances.

She is survived by her husband, Harold “Sonnie” Kapaun Jr.; her brothers Daryl Skog (Deborah), Brian Skog (Becky), and Ron Skog (Annette); her children Kenneth Kapaun (Kelly Gardner), Keith Kapaun (Stacy), and Kellie Kapaun; her grandchildren Justin Kapaun (Dani), Ashley Kapaun (Colton), Bryce Boreen, and Austin Boreen (Madi); her great-grandchildren Kinsley, Easton, and Caysen Kapaun; and numerous extended family members who remained important to her.

Paulette was preceded in death by her parents, Herman and Joyce Skog, and her brothers Paul and Douglas Skog.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., followed by funeral services beginning at 12:00 p.m. at Sandberg Funeral Home, 2593 7th Ave E., North Saint Paul, MN 55109. A memorial luncheon will follow immediately at the VFW Post 1350 of North Saint Paul, located at 2483 7th Ave E., North Saint Paul, MN 55109, from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

A funeral service will be held on Thursday, June 18, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at Fort Snelling National Cemetery, 7601 34th Ave S., Minneapolis, MN 55450, Please arrive no later than 12:45PM at Staging Area 2, please stay in your vehicle, for procession to the committal shelter.

Honorary Bearers: Kenneth Kapaun, Kelly Gardner, Ted Steffner, Bryce Boreen, Justin Kapaun, Nick Michaels