Obituary of Denise R. (Aufforth) Kelly

Denise R. (Aufforth) Kelly

April 20, 1955 - March 27, 2025

Denise, age 69, of White Bear Lake, MN, left us unexpectedly on March 27, 2025. Born on April 20, 1955 to Carl and Gwen Aufforth in Kenmare, ND, Denise spent most of her youth in St. Paul, MN and graduated from Harding High School in 1973. She spent some time in Great Lakes, IL, with her then-husband before returning to St. Paul in 1976. She spent almost 40 years working for St. Paul Companies and Travelers Insurance company, retiring in 2015.

Denise never knew a stranger and made friends everywhere she went. She loved to travel; going to Las Vegas and cruising were her favorite getaways. She also loved animals, especially cats, and was owned by a number of them over the years.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Carl and Gwen Aufforth and leaves behind her daughters, Theresa (Jack) Winkelmann and Shannon (Robbie) Kanthack; sisters Nancy (Rick) Sobanski, Gae Aufforth, Robin (Frank) Carletta, and Pam Doty; her grandchildren Caleb and Alison Winkelmann and Leah and Colin Kanthack; as well as nephews and niece Trevis Carletta, Jason and Justin Sobanski, and Alec and Abby Doty plus extended family in North Dakota.

She will be missed by all who knew her. May she rest in peace.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests you consider making a donation to Caring for Cats in Denise’s name. This can be done at https://caringforcats-bloom.kindful.com/?campaign=1299769.  

A Celebration of Life for Denise will be held on Friday, May 16, 2025 from 5-8pm at the Moore Lake Community Building, 5800 Central Ave NE, Fridley, MN 55423. This will be an open house type event, so plan to drop in at your convenience. Food and beverages will be served and there is a playground right next to the building if you bring your kids. We can’t wait to hear your memories of Denise!

In lieu of flowers, the family requests you consider making a donation to Caring for Cats in Denise’s name. This can be done at https://caringforcats-bloom.kindful.com/?campaign=1299769.  

Details regarding a celebration of life will follow.