Judith Ann Kohel

Judy Kohel, age 80, died of natural causes on February 4, 2026, while on a Caribbean cruise. Judy was born in Hibbing, Minnesota on December 16, 1945, to Joseph and Lillian (Nyberg) Kohel. She was baptized and confirmed at Our Savior Lutheran Church. Attending Hibbing public schools, she graduated high school with honors in 1964. She was a member of the band, choir and acted in school plays. After earning her Bachelor of Education degree from Bemidji State College in 1968, she went on to earn her master’s degree from the University of Minnesota. Judy found great joy while working as an elementary teacher in Brooklyn Center Minnesota for 34 years. She enriched her students’ lives while also striving throughout her professional life to grow as an educator. A favorite spring project was instructing her students in making intricately designed Ukrainian eggs using raw eggs! Her pupils each went home with their masterpieces at Easter.

In her retirement, Judy became an avid quilter. Her creations are treasured keepsakes. Reading was a great pleasure in her life, and she enjoyed being a part of the Osseo Book Club.

Judy had a passion for travel that took her to Europe, Mexico and Canada. She looked forward to being a snowbird in Fort Meyers Beach, Florida, Porta Vallarta, Mexico, and cruising the Caribbean Sea.

Judy was a beloved sister, aunt, adopted aunt, and dear friend to many. She touched lives with her kindness, compassion, and unconditional love. She was generous with loved ones and willing to assist them in any way possible. Her ability to listen without judgement had a strong, calming effect that put people at ease.

Left to mourn her passing are her sister, Shirley, and her brother-in-law, Ken George, of Gillette, Wyoming, nieces Amber George (husband, Dan Thomas) and Tanna George (husband, Kevin Lisenbee) of Colorado Springs, Colorado. She will also be deeply missed by her adopted Smith/Elledge family, friends, colleagues and students. Judy is proceeded in death by her parents, Joseph and Lillian Kohel. Judy touched the lives of those who knew her, and she will never be forgotten.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday February 14, 2026 at 11AM at Evans-Nordby Funeral Home, 6000 Brooklyn Blvd., Brooklyn Center, MN. A visitation will be held one hour prior.

Flowers and Condolences can be directed to the Evans-Nordby Funeral Home in Brooklyn Center.