Judith Kielty

Judith Ann Wolfgang was born on August 20^th, 1944, in Augusta, Wisconsin, to Lola and Paul Wolfgang. The youngest of six children, Judie was fiercely independent and resourceful. She loved nature and the outdoors, and easily bonded with animals, especially dogs and horses. If she were grounded from the car, she would jump on her horse to visit her friends or get where she needed to go. Judie was never one to let obstacles or barriers prevent her from achieving her goals; she would always find a way.

Judie graduated from Augusta High School in 1962 and quickly set out for St. Paul to carve her own path in the world. She had very little in the form of resources or support, but her determination and drive proved to be all she needed to succeed. She was working at the Federal Land Bank when she met Ron Kielty through mutual friends. They were married in November of 1966 and spent the next 60 years building a beautiful life together.

Judie had a head for numbers and an excellent work ethic. She and Ron had several business ventures together while she went back to school to earn a degree in accounting and worked as an accountant, controller, and CFO while also doing taxes and consulting.

Judie was an accomplished professional and an incredible Wife, Mother, and Nanna. Her family was always her top priority and greatest joy. Her love language was food, and there was always an abundance for family and friends, who were always welcome. She used her culinary gifts to create cherished family traditions. Her salsa was renowned and even traded as currency at times. Her chocolate cakes were the highlight of every family birthday. Christmas was prime rib, twice-baked potatoes, and wild rice soup – all better than any you had ever tasted.

Her happy place was the lake, especially when their home was overflowing with people. She would rise at dawn to make mountains of blueberry pancakes for her grandchildren, then rig up numerous fishing poles so there was always one ready to go. She grew delicious vegetables and beautiful flowers. She created a wonderful place for her family and friends to gather and play. When the lake weeds got in her way, she researched how to mitigate them, secured the permits, and organized the neighborhood to work together. Whatever Judie did, she made the world around her a better place.

Judie’s love of learning and sense of adventure made traveling a priority and favorite pastime. She loved her annual trips with her lifelong friends, Diane and Peg. Over the years, Ron and Judie traveled the country and world. She and Ron loved FL and enjoyed many family vacations visiting her brother Larry and his wife, Linda. Ron & Judie spent the past several winters in Gulf Shores, taking in the sunrise and sunsets over the beach every day, making new friends, exploring the area, fishing, or finding new culinary delights.

Despite working full-time and pursuing many passions, Judie made a point to attend as many of her grandchildren’s activities as possible. When their grandsons lived in FL, Ron & Judie made sure to carve out a week each season to spend with them. Judie lived life to the fullest, pursuing knowledge and excellence in everything she did, and prioritizing her faith, family, and friends above all else.

Judie passed away in her home on her own terms on April 26, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.  She will be dearly missed by her husband Ron; son Dan (DeAnn Bjornson) and grandsons Bjorn and Finn Kielty; son Scott (Jill Kielty) and grandchildren Kellin, aka Brenna (Akila Kavo), Ryan, Erin, Simon, Leah, and Bridget Kielty; and sister Jean Honadel. She was preceded in death by her parents, Paul and Lola Wolfgang; brothers Jack, Howard, Mark, and Larry.

A memorial service will be held at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, 9100 93^rd Ave N, Brooklyn Park, MN, on Friday, May 22, 2026. Visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m., with Mass at 10:30 a.m. followed by lunch.