Paula Evenson

Paula G. Evenson, age 81, of Nekoosa, passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 1, 2026, at Arborwood Lodge in Wisconsin Rapids, after a battle with Cholangiocarcinoma.

She was born on February 16, 1945, in Wisconsin Rapids, WI to Lawrence and Theresa (Wirtz) Arnold. After graduating from Assumption High School in 1963, she followed her love of helping others feel their best and earned her cosmetology degree in Appleton. On November 6, 1965, Paula married the love of her life, Loren Evenson, in Wisconsin Rapids. Together, they shared more than 60 years of marriage filled with love, devotion, and countless memories, until Loren's passing in July 2026.

For more than 40 years, Paula owned and operated her beauty salon, where her warmth, steady hands, and friendly conversation made clients feel cared for and welcome. She deeply treasured time spent with family and friends. Whether she was sewing, quilting, tending her gardens, or out boating, she always found immense joy in life. She also loved traveling with her loved ones, exploring many beautiful destinations across North America.

Paula also gave generously of her time as a member of the Romemakers Home and Community Education organization and volunteered as part of the Sacred Heart Parish Council of Catholic Women.

Paula is survived by her children: Curt (Cheryl) Evenson, Carrey (Ron) Koran, Chad (Maryjo) Evenson, Cory (Dan) Klonsinski, and Colleen (Tom) Bedics; her grandchildren: Colton and Halee Evenson, Jessica Dulak, Jacob, Eric, and Kyle Koran, Kelsie (Tyler) Aaseng, Sydona, Joseph, and Briella Evenson, Kaitlyn (Kyanna), Matthew, and Jenna Klonsinski, and Carson, Cole, and Tyler Bedics; her great-grandchildren: Kaydance and Teagan Schneider; her siblings: Amy(Marv) Somers, Debbie (Ken) Micholic, Glen (Linda B) Arnold, Chuck (Sara) Arnold, Dan (Pati) Arnold, Kevin Arnold, Pat (Cheryl) Arnold, Brian (Julie) Arnold; Sister-in-laws: Delain Arnold, Judy (Neil) Truttman and many cherished extended family and close friends.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Loren; her parents, Larry and Theresa Arnold; In-laws: Merrill and Daisy Evenson; her sisters, Kathy Schara and Jane Dashner; and her brothers, Tom and Craig Arnold. Sisters and Brothers-in-law: Jackie Arnold, Russ Schara, and Tom Dashner, Loye, Roger, Douglas, Robert and Judith Mae Evenson.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, October 12, 2026, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Nekoosa, WI. Visitation will be held from 4:30 pm until 7:30 pm on Sunday, October 11th, 2026, at Herman Taylor Funeral Home in Wisconsin Rapids and again on Monday at Sacred Heart Church from 9:30 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. Funeral service will start at 10:30 a.m. with eulogies followed by the mass at 11:00 a.m. officiated by Father John Swing. Burial will follow at New Rome Cemetery in Rome, WI.

Paula's family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the staff of Heartland Hospice and Arborwood Lodge for the comfort and compassionate care they gave Paula. They are also especially grateful to Mindy Walker and Deb Exner for the care, kindness, compassion, and support they gave Paula and her family.