Judy Gisselquist

Judy Gisselquist, age 71 of Cottage Grove, passed away October 29, 2016

Funeral service will be 11 am, Wednesday, November 2, 2016 at Zion Lutheran Church, 8500 Hillside Trail, Cottage Grove. Visitation will be 4-8 pm, Tuesday, November 1, 2016 at Kok Funeral Home, 7676 – 80th Street S., Cottage Grove as well as one hour prior to the service at church.

Judy Ann Gisselquist was born April 20, 1945 in Wadena, Minnesota to Hubert and Phyllis (Primasing) Saari. She grew up in New York Mills where she graduated from high school in 1963. Judy moved to Minneapolis where she received her nursing certification and started working for a local dermatologist. Judy met Bob Gisselquist at a Johnny Cash concert and they were later married at Trinity Lutheran Church in New York Mills on May 20, 1967. They lived in St. Paul for a few years before moving to Cottage Grove in 1974. Judy enjoyed supporting her sons in their various high school sporting events and activities.

Judy was a member of a cancer survivor's group and was an active volunteer at Bethesda Hospital, local sports booster clubs and also promoting Scandinavian cultural heritage awareness at events with Mindekirken Lutheran Church in Minneapolis. She served as president of the Cottage Grove Gardening Club and won the Garden of the Year award several times. Judy was also involved at Zion Lutheran Church with the annual garage sale and annual church tea. She also enjoyed going to craft fairs and spending time with her beloved family.

She is survived by her husband of 49 years, Bob; sons Mark (Lin), Erik and Brian; granddaughter, Katherine "Kate"; sister Marlene Frietag as well as other loved cousins, nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents and sister Donna Vandenheuval.