Katherine Marie Juutilainen (Wald)

Kathy Juutilainen (Wald) of Lino Lakes sadly left us on July 18, 2023, after an eight-week battle fighting complications from a long-awaited lung transplant.

She was born August 12, 1962, to Francis and Ruth Wald, and grew up in North St. Paul alongside her four siblings, Mary, Becky, Fran, and Carol. She graduated high school, and then went on to wed David on July 2, 1982. They moved to the then-little suburb of Lino Lakes and raised their five kids. Kathy dreamed of having a large family, and a more devoted mother you could not find. She sacrificed everything for her own children, and extended the same kind of love to every single kid her children brought home.

Kathy worked most of her life doing various jobs during the evenings so she could take care of her home and family during the day. No matter what job she had, she worked hard and gave it her all. That’s the kind of woman she was, a giver. She gave of herself endlessly to anyone in need. 

Kathy enjoyed gardening, cheering for any MN sports team, and especially spending time at the cabin in Brule, WI. Kathy was also a proud member of the American Legion Post #566 for many years. She was dearly loved by many in the community because she so freely gave love to everyone she met. She will be remembered as a tiny woman with a ginormous heart.

Kathy is preceded in death by her husband, David; sister, Mary; and her parents. Survived by five children, Jolene (Lafe) Swalin, Justine (Andy) Bach, Jessica (James) VanWagner, Jay Juutilainen, and Jack (Dustin) Juutilainen; five grandchildren, Hailey, Gage, Janey, Lyti, and Olivia; and many, many beloved family and friends.

Memorial service 11 AM Saturday, August 12 at MUELLER-BIES FUNERAL HOME-LINO LAKES, 7050 Lake Drive (County Hwy 23). Visitation from 10 – 11 AM Saturday at the funeral home. A luncheon will be held at the American Legion in Lino Lakes at noon.

Her family also wishes to extend their sincerest gratitude to all the staff at the University of MN-Fairview Hospital. Their care and kindness went above and beyond during the entire transplant process.