Judith Kyar

Judith Kyar, age 85, passed away peacefully on Friday, September 15, 2023 with her family by her side. She is now at peace with Richard and God.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 20, 2023 at First Lutheran Church in Brainerd. Family and friends are invited to gather on Tuesday evening 5-8:00 p.m. at Nelson-Doran Funeral Home in Brainerd and also for one hour prior to the service. Interment will be at Evergreen Memorial Gardens in Brainerd.

Judith was born on February 4, 1938 to Willie and Irma (Pfisterer) Wagner in Heidelberg, Germany, where she grew up and attended school. She married Richard Kyar on April 30, 1959 and shortly after, they moved to Minnesota and made their home in Brainerd. Judith lived in their home for 61 years, even after Richard passed away in 2002. Throughout their marriage, Judith and Richard made many trips back to Germany and explored much of Europe. Judith worked as a cook and baker at Cragun’s Resort for nearly 40 years. She loved to watch tennis and figure skating, being with her grandchildren and going to family get togethers. She was a long-time member of First Lutheran Church and loved to offer a helping hand and volunteer where she was needed.

She is survived by her three children, Rod (Maggie) Kyar, Wes Kyar (Vickie), and Sharon (Ray) Welliver; six grandchildren; six great grandchildren; two siblings, Klaus Wagner and Liana Wagner (Hajo); siblings-in-law, Donna and Karyl Smith, Wayne (Judy) Kyar, Lorraine Curren, Ray (Debbie) Mudgett, Susan Buresh; special niece and godchild, Michelle (Joe) Lambert; and many other nieces, nephews and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Richard and four brothers-in-law.

The family would like to send a special thank you to Allie, Molly and Jess with St. Croix Hospice and to Barbara for translating German for the family.

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