Kelsey Lynn Paulson - Gaeta

Dr. Kelsey Lynn Paulson, PhD, 41, passed away Friday, June 14, 2024 in San Diego, CA with family by her side. A Celebration of Life will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Saturday, June 14, 2025 in Des Moines, Iowa at Stoney Creek Hotel in Johnston, Iowa. Further details to come.

Kelsey was born Monday, February 7, 1983 at 11:12 p.m. at Iowa Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines, Iowa, to Linda Sue Legvold and Eric Lynn Paulson. She was raised in Carroll, Iowa and graduated from Carroll High School as Valedictorian in 2001. Kelsey continued her education at Iowa State University obtaining her Bachelor of Science. She was a member of the Delta Delta Delta Sorority while at Iowa State, serving in various leadership roles. She obtained her Master’s and Doctoral degrees in Clinical Psychology at AIU. Kelsey also contributed to multiple psychological publications. 

For over 17 years as a psychologist, Kelsey helped countless individuals struggling with an endless range of trials. Later in her career she started her own practice and made life long impacts on all her clients. 

Kelsey was united in marriage to Eddie Gaeta on August 22, 2015 in Stanton, Iowa, one daughter, Eden James Gaeta, was born to this union. Kelsey enjoyed going to Eden’s many activities and supporting Eden in her many interests. She enjoyed relaxing by water whether it was the San Diego beaches or her apartment’s pool. Kelsey cherished the time she was able to spend with her family and friends and always took any opportunity to travel back to her farm in Stanton, Iowa, which still serves as a common gathering place for the whole family. Above all else, she was a loving and selfless bride, mother, daughter, sister, aunt, friend and physician who will be greatly missed.