Paetyn Harpstead

With broken hearts, we share that our precious Paetyn Lee Harpstead, age 11, of Morris, Minnesota, became one of the brightest stars in the sky, watching over all who loved her, on the evening of September 13, 2025, at Mayo Clinic surrounded by her family.

Paetyn Lee Harpstead was born on June 18, 2014, in Morris, Minnesota to Kyle and Amber (Robbins) Harpstead. Paetyn was diagnosed with AT (Ataxia Telangiectasia) shortly after she was born. Throughout her short life, she endured countless treatments, and long hospital stays with incredible courage. Even in the hardest moments, her smile could brighten any room, her laughter filled hearts, and her hugs wrapped her loved ones in comfort and strength. She inspired everyone who had the privilege of knowing her.

Those closest to her were especially blessed with her quick wit and sassiness, which brought joy and laughter into everyday moments. Paetyn had a way of making life more colorful and meaningful simply by being herself. Her family knew there was no way they could ever be mad at her no matter what she did, so she got away with everything she wanted.

Paetyn was an active little girl and was always excited to go on an adventure. She would go hiking, kayaking, traveling and enjoying time on the beach. At home she would play Hide N Go Seek with her family and friends or watch movies all cuddled up together. She loved working on her fairy garden and playing barbies with her Grandma Michele. When at her Grandma and Grandpa Harpstead’s house, she would play in the Narnia Closet and enjoy helping them cook. Paetyn loved all animals, especially horses, but her pets were her favorite in the world.

Paetyn is survived by her loving parents, Kyle and Amber Harpstead; her sister, Kayley Johnson; and her brothers, Logan and Jasper Harpstead; her grandparents: Michele Clark (Luke Butterfass) of Morris, Michael (Michelle) Robbins of Everett, Washington, and Phil (Gail) Harpstead of Morris; aunts Kari (Phil) Seibel of Bemidji, Minnesota and Kendra (Dalton) Schumacher of Wadena, Minnesota; uncle Kolby (Amanda) Harpstead of Reno, Nevada; great-aunt: Gayla Robbins (Mark) Johnson of Brier, Washington; cousins: Emma, Becca, and Noah Seibel and John and Pearl Harpstead; great-grandparents: Betty Christiansen of Morris, Robert Clark and Grace Jemal of Oak Harbor, Washington, and Diane Fredricks of Lake Stevens, Washington; along with many other relatives and friends who adored her.

She was preceded in death and is now in the loving arms of her great-great-grandparents, Robert Thurman, Muriel (Brand) Thurman, Dale (Mary) Harpstead and Oliver Christiansen; grandparents, Sandra (Thurman, Clark, Hegre) and John Hegre; and her great-uncle, Michael Clark.

Though her time here was far too short, Paetyn’s life was a true gift. Her memory will forever remain in the hearts of her parents, siblings, extended family, and countless friends who loved her deeply. She leaves behind a legacy of strength, love, and resilience that will continue to inspire all who knew her.

Paetyn's family respectfully asks that you not wear black, but consider wearing pink, purple, or an otherwise brightly colored outfit in Paetyn's honor.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: https://atcp.org/donate/