Judy was born April 3, 1942, in Sleepy Eye, MN to Floyd and Christine (Hansen) Tews. Judy married Duane Risen on February 17, 1962, in Sleepy Eye, MN. Together they had seven children. While they ended their marriage in 1978, Judy and her children continued to live in various small towns, primarily across Western Wisconsin and Southern Minnesota.
She was a tremendous cook, a skill and passion that carried over into her life at work, home and play. She spent much of her working life as a cook, notably at Morton’s Jackpot Junction Casino and Sleepy Eye’s Orchid Inn. Her infamous Christmas Cookie baking sessions became complete family affairs with an assembly-line like efficiency punctuated by an infectious joy. In the playful chaos—somehow!—piles of cookies survived to be shared far and wide! She continued her cooking and baking until her diminishing eyesight became too tall a hurdle to leap.
She found great happiness in spending time with her siblings, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She enjoyed reading, baking, gardening, and various crafts (particularly jewelry making).
In addition to those seven kids, she nurtured numerous other animals over the years, including horses, dogs and cats. She always had a smile on her face when she was around one of her pets.
Judy enjoyed her volunteer time, particularly at the Treasure House in New Ulm as well as the annual Relay for Life events.
Judy is survived by her children Kim (Cindy) of Tamarack, MN, Roxanne (Kevin) of Ely, IA, Bruce of Sleepy Eye, MN, Jeff (Sue) of New Ulm, MN, Rick (Denise) of New Ulm, MN, and Rachel of New Ulm, MN; and her siblings, sisters Mildred (Steve), Eileen, Rita and brother Jim. She also leaves behind 11 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Floyd and Christine Tews and her daughter, Rene Jo Risen.