Bryan Jay Paulsen

Longtime Mankato architect and businessman, Bryan Jay Paulsen, passed away peacefully at his Minnesota lake home on June 9, 2025, following a courageous and difficult battle with cancer. A beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend, Bryan was surrounded by his loving family when he passed. He was 69.

Born in Mankato, MN on March 18, 1956, to John and Frances Paulsen, Bryan graduated from Mankato East High School in 1974. He completed his pre-architecture requirements at Minnesota State University, Mankato and graduated from The University of Minnesota School of Architecture in 1982. Upon graduation, he moved back to Mankato to join the love of his life and high school sweetheart—Tami Norberg.

Pursuing his lifelong passion for design, Bryan started his career at Kagermeier Skaar Architects in Mankato in 1982, eventually becoming a firm Principal, before leaving in 1995 to launch his own architectural practice, Paulsen Architects. Always a team, Tami joined Bryan at Paulsen Architects in 1998, and together they successfully operated and grew the business. Paulsen Architects elevated Southern Minnesota architecture, receiving numerous design awards and recognitions. In 2013, Paulsen Architects was acquired by I & S Group (now ISG) and Bryan became ISG’s Director of Architecture.

Over his 40-plus year career, Bryan designed hundreds of buildings which he was very proud of but often cited the Midwest Wireless Headquarters (now Federated Insurance), Minnesota State University, Mankato Centennial Student Union Renovation, Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota, Riverfront Park, Hormel Spam Museum, and Chankaska Creek Ranch and Winery as some of his favorites. In addition to his design work, he took great pride in mentoring junior designers and watching their careers flourish.

Highly regarded in his field, Bryan served on the board of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Minneapolis Chapter, including serving as its first out-state President. Paulsen Architects was inducted into the Greater Mankato Growth Hall of Fame in 2011.

Bryan and Tami had their first date in September 1973 and were married in 1982 at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church. They have one son, Jonathan Joseph Paulsen. Bryan was a longtime parishioner at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church and later St. Ann Catholic Church of Naples, FL.

Bryan was a supporter of many Greater Mankato organizations and a dedicated volunteer. He served as President of the Mankato Area Chamber of Commerce and Convention Bureau, Mankato Family YMCA, and Feeding Our Community Partners. In addition, he was a passionate advocate for community strategic planning and actively served on the Envision 2020 task force and was instrumental in the revitalization and redevelopment for downtown Mankato. Bryan’s philanthropy, often doing pro-bono work for non-profits, impacted many local organizations.

A lifelong lover of the outdoors, a passionate friend, and a true gentleman, Bryan lived life with grace and constant optimism. He enjoyed hunting, gardening, boating, golfing, fishing, and skiing. He was happiest when he was outside. Family time at Lake Okoboji and later Lake Francis and Naples, FL became his happy places. He was a member of the Mankato Golf Club and loved playing with his regular fivesome of friends.

In recent years, Bryan and Tami became residents of Naples, FL and spent their summers at Lake Francis in Elysian, MN. His greatest joy was spending time with his granddaughters. He loved being called “Poppe” while building Legos, reading books, playing with doll babies, and fishing with them.

Bryan is survived by his loving wife, Tami Norberg Paulsen of Naples, FL and Elysian, MN; son, Jonathan Joseph Paulsen (Campbell) of West Palm Beach, FL; brothers, Richard Paulsen (Sandra) of Alexandria, MN and Stephen Paulsen (Karen) of Forth Worth, TX; two granddaughters, Alice and Parker Paulsen of West Palm Beach, FL; sister-in-laws, Sheri Lund (Robert) of Minnetrista, MN and Shani Graham (James) of St. Paul, MN, and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Frances Paulsen.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to St. Croix Hospice for the exceptional care and compassion provided over the past several weeks. A special thank you is given to nurse and caregiver Kortnee Morris for her kindness and personal attention, which truly brought comfort during a difficult time.

Funeral will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, June 20, 2025, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church. A visitation will be held at the North Mankato Mortuary - Northview on Thursday, June 19, 2025, from 4 to 7 p.m. as well as one hour prior to the service. Memorials are preferred to The Children's Museum of Southern Minnesota or Feeding Our Community Partners.