Filled with faith and absent of fear, Judy Kaye Edlund, 80, peacefully entered her heavenly home with the Lord on Monday, July 11, 2022. With a zest for life and an open heart, her lovely attitude, captivating smile, and delightful demeanor were contagious and valued by all who knew and loved her.
Judy was born December 2, 1941, in Lamar, Colorado, and was raised in the small town of Springfield. She married her high school sweetheart, Scott Terry Riley, in 1961. While living in Denver, they had two children, Kyle and Megan. They later moved to Thousand Oaks, California, where she was president of the Airline Wives Association and the PTA.
After a tragic fire and the loss of her husband, Judy met and married James E. Edlund in 1971, moved with her children to Minnesota, and was delighted to become a stepmother to Julie and Todd Edlund. Judy and Jim celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary this past November.
Judy’s unrivaled poise, dedication, and organized manner led to many volunteer leadership positions, including Junior League of Saint Paul, Bible Study Fellowship, and the Salem Covenant church board. In Arizona, she was a member of Grace Bible Church, a GriefShare leader, and member of PEO. An especially important part of Judy’s life in the past 15 years was her service and participation on the board of directors for the Gunflint Trail Historical Society, Chik-Wauk Museum and Nature Center, and the Mid-Trail Property Owners Association.
A dedicated mother first and foremost, Judy treasured her children and embraced every moment with them. She especially loved her role as “Granny.” A vivacious personality, Judy was the best wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother anyone could imagine – always providing a warm, inviting, beautiful home, lovely gardens, great food, endless laughter, and a fierce game of dominoes.
Judy is preceded in death by her parents, Gernie and Maurine Hatchett; brothers, Arlon and Steven Hatchett; stepdaughter, Julie Edlund; and son, Kyle Edlund. Judy is survived by her husband, James Edlund; daughter, Megan (Richard) Petkoff; stepson, Todd (Patricia) Edlund; grandchildren Lindsey, Andrew, Alexa, Calley, Britt, Connor, Melanie, and Gunnar; great-grandchildren Theodora, Scott James, Emily, Kyle, Rosemary, and Caitlin; and her beloved nephews and niece and their families.
With consideration for Judy’s wish to include cherished out-of-state family and friends at her memorial, a service will be held at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, August 18, at Salem Covenant Church, 2655 Fifth Street NW, New Brighton, Minnesota. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Chik-Wauk Museum and Nature Center in her honor. (https://gunflinthistory.org/donate/).