Judy Kay Thisius

Age 81 of Shoreview, MN Passed away December 3, 2022 while battling cancer. Beloved mother, grandmother, sister and friend. Judy is remembered with joy and laughter by all who knew her well. She was a lover of tradition and celebrations that were never to be missed. Her beautiful smile will be remembered fondly by many. Judy was born in Lacrosse, Wisconsin to Donald and Lillian McDowell. She was raised in Park Rapids, Minnesota where she returned often to spend time laughing and "remembering when" with siblings Nancy McDowell, the late Mac (Susie) McDowell, Mary (Jerry) Benham and Mike (Linda) McDowell. Judy married and raised her three children Jody Sparkman, Betsy (Bradley) Byker and Kris-Jon Jacobson in Onamia, Minnesota. Judy worked at Onamia Elementary school where she made many life-long friends who knew her as the life of the party and the best hostess. She was a long-time member of Bethany Lutheran Church, where her magnificent soprano voice could be heard and was recognized by many. Judy's voice made her a valuable member in the local community choir and in the town's much talked about production of Godspell. Judy loved to sing Christmas carols, her favorite being "I am So Gald it's Christmas Eve" which she sang every Christmas Eve on the way home from church........in Norwegian. It was a lucky grandchild who rode home with Grandma Judy. In 1985 Judy met her husband, knight and greatest fan Gary Thisius. Together they welcomed 6 grandchildren; Emily, Kyle, Lucas, Paige, Zac and Maggie. She is also survived by 8 great grandchildren; Ava, Lydia, August, Arthur, Jackson, Kennedy, McKinley and Zeke. Judy and Gary made their home in Shore View Minnesota. Judy worked at Marshall Fields for 20 years as a personal shopper and representative for Jones of New York. She could be counted on to dress her family and thousands of others in style. Many friendships were found both with co-workers and customers. Judy knew how to help everyone she met look fabulous. Judy and Gary relished spending time in their children's lives, continuing old traditions and beginning new ones. She gave her children and grandchildren the love of flowers, the importance of family and the joy of vacationing on the water. Many days were spent with all aboard a well-stocked pontoon. Judy was happiest when surrounded by family, preferably ALL her family. She loved long slow boat rides with a cold beer in her hand. She loved throwing a party with the perfect menu and the perfect outfit. She loved a wedding, a good band and a willing dance partner. She loved her grandchildren so and made sure that they knew they were loved and cherished. A bright and beautiful light has been extinguished and we will forever remember Judy Kay Thisius with the love that she showed all for whom she loved so well. Judy is survived by her husband of 35 years, Gary; children, Jody Sparkman, Betsy (Bradley) Byker and Kris-Jon Jacobson; 6 grandchildren; 8 great grandchildren; sisters, Nancy McDowell, Mary (Jerry) Benham; brother, Mike (Linda) McDowell; sister-in-law, Susie McDowell; nieces, nephews and many friends. Preceded in death by parents, Donald and Lillian McDowell and brother, Mac McDowell. Memorial Service 11 AM Tuesday, January 3, 2023 (visitation 10-11AM) at Holcomb-Henry-Boom-Purcell Funeral Home, 515 Hwy 96 W., at Mackubin, Shoreview. Service will be livestreamed at https://youtu.be/gwmnzu-Cvo0 Memorials preferred to https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org.

Tributes

Judy Kay Thisius

June 1, 1941 - December 3, 2022

Tributes

Judy Kay Thisius

June 1, 1941 - December 3, 2022

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