Kathy Wagner

Kathleen E. Wagner, age 83, of Maplewood, Minnesota, formerly of Saint Paul and Wyoming, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 30, 2026, surrounded by her family following a brief diagnosis with pancreatic cancer.

Kathy was born on June 4, 1943, in Saint Paul, Minnesota, to Russell and Elizabeth (Triemert) Helser. A proud graduate of Johnson High School, Class of 1961, she soon met the love of her life, Jim Wagner, through mutual friends. Their love story began with a simple introduction and blossomed into a lifetime of devotion. They were united in marriage on October 13, 1962, at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Saint Paul.

Together, Kathy and Jim built their life in Saint Paul before moving their family to Wyoming, Minnesota, in 1979. Following Jim's passing, Kathy continued to make Wyoming her home before later moving to Forest Lake and eventually Maplewood.

For more than 27 years, Kathy shared her talents as a cook at Forest Lake Hospital and Fairview Hospital. Caring for others came naturally to her, and she took great pride in preparing meals that brought comfort and joy to those around her. Cooking wasn't simply something she did—it was one of the many ways she showed love. Family eagerly anticipated gatherings where Kathy's spaghetti, chili, roast beef, and famous sloppy joes—made from her closely guarded family recipe—were always on the menu.

Kathy had a zest for life that was impossible to miss. She was spunky, sassy, straightforward, and wonderfully authentic. She had a generous heart and was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. She loved playing cards with friends, sharing laughter around the table, and never passed up an opportunity to spend time with those she cared about.

One of Kathy's greatest joys was treasure hunting. To her, garage sale season was an event, thrift stores were destinations, and shopping was truly a sport. Saturdays became treasured traditions as she piled her grandchildren into the car for shopping adventures, followed by a trip back to Grandma's house for her famous tacos. Those simple afternoons became cherished memories that her family will hold close forever.

Above all else, Kathy's greatest pride was her family. She delighted in watching her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren grow, and her love for them was evident in every meal she cooked, every shopping trip she planned, and every moment she shared.

Kathy was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband, Jim; her son, Mark; her brother, Russ Helser; and her brother-in-law, Bob Kargel.

She will be deeply missed by her daughters, Wendy (Greg Petschauer) Wagner and Julie Matheson; grandchildren, Jessica Monette, Hannah (John Lanphear) Matheson, Amanda (Joe) Heinonen, Laura (Emilio Correa) Petschauer, Mariah Burton, Bridget Wagner, and Abby Wagner; great-grandchildren, Samantha, Ellison, Kaitlyn, Evelyn, James, Adaline, Mya, Kora, and Olivia; siblings, Patricia Thomas, Mary Jane Kargel, Francis Violet, and Susan Helser; sisters-in-law, Darlene Rossow and Mary Helser; along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members, dear friends, and all whose lives were made brighter by knowing her.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 6, 2026, at Mattson Funeral Home, 343 North Shore Drive, Forest Lake, Minnesota, with visitation beginning one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Interment will follow at Oakland Cemetery in Saint Paul, Minnesota. Memorials may be directed to https://ourladyofpeacemn.org/donate/

Kathy's legacy lives on in the recipes passed down, the bargains discovered, the card games enjoyed, and the countless family memories created around her table. She taught those who loved her that life's greatest treasures are not found in a thrift store, but in the people we gather around us. Her love, laughter, and unmistakable spirit will be deeply missed and forever remembered.