Judy Mahowald, age 82, of Prior Lake, MN, was surrounded by family when she passed peacefully and entered eternal life on Wednesday, November 22, 2023.
A visitation will be held honoring Judy on Thursday, November 30, 2023, from 3-7 pm and on Friday, December 1, 2023, from 9:30-10:45 am, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 am, all at St. Michael Catholic Church, 16400 Duluth Avenue SE, Prior Lake. Guests may also join the mass at stmichael-pl.org and click on the livestream tab. Father Tom Walker will preside, with her grandchildren acting as pallbearers. Judy will be laid to rest at St. Michael Catholic Cemetery.
Judy’s true passion throughout life was family! This core value was instilled at birth from her parents, John and Magdalene (Worshak) Caduff. Born Judith Claire on February 17, 1941, in St. Paul, MN, she was the middle sibling to Ed, Jerry, Janice and Larry, who grew up most of their years in Prior Lake. Judy’s father worked at an area farm, where she became very proud of the Brown Swiss cows that her father cared for. In 4H, Judy showed her cow at county and state fairs. Besides family, she also treasured friendships throughout her life. Judy attended Prior Lake Schools, where she graduated.
Family became more meaningful after meeting the love of her life, Bernard Emil Mahowald. He gave her a ride home after a night at a local dancehall, and it paid off! Judy and Bernie were united in Holy Matrimony on September 28, 1963, at St. Michael Catholic Church, in Prior Lake. From this union, her life was enriched, becoming a mother to Mark, Robert, Barry, and Shari. As the children’s families grew, Judy embraced the title of grandma with open arms and remained active in their lives. It didn’t matter what they did; school activities, sporting events, attending turtle races, or having ice cream was filled with pure joy.
The Mahowald family created many fond memories. They loved spending time at the cabin that Bernie built in 1971 in Longville, MN and still enjoy gathering at today. In honor of Longville, Judy loved to decorate the cabin with turtles. At her home in Prior Lake, Judy was always in motion inside and outside. She spent countless hours perfectly mowing the lawn, trimming the bushes, selecting the perfect flowers to plant, and tending to her vegetable garden. Judy’s home was always filled with amazing smells of freshly cooked meals and delicious baked goods. She worked endlessly providing the perfect home for her family. As a couple, Judy and Bernie cherished traveling the United States & Europe. She was especially proud of her family heritage of Switzerland.
It was evident that the family remained the center of Judy’s life. For decades, her entire family (children and grandchildren) also worked side by side. Judy was the heart and the reason for many successful Mahowald businesses. Her days were filled running the office and household, while still making lunches for anyone who may stop by.
Family would have not been possible without Judy’s strong faith in God. She was a devoted servant to her Catholic faith and assured her family followed in her footsteps. Christmas was most special at the Mahowald home. Judy decorated every inch of their home inside and out in honor of Christ’s birthday. Each gift was wrapped flawlessly, and the meal created with unconditional love. Since 2018, Judy has enjoyed the simpler times of watching the wildlife outside her home and still being surrounded by her family.
Judy will be forever loved and missed by husband of 60 years, Bernie; children, Mark “Sparky” (Susie) Mahowald, Robert (Amy) Mahowald, Barry (Molly) Mahowald, Shari (Joe) Mertens; grandchildren, Melissa, Ellie, Claire, Shane, Myles, Benjamin, Nicholas, Jacob, Kaylee; siblings, Janice (Lee) Seurer, Larry (Pat) Caduff; sister-in-law, Kathy Caduff; other relatives, friends, and special care givers. Greeting Judy home in eternal life are her parents, John and Magdalene; brothers, Ed Caduff, Gerry Caduff and Godchild, John Lee Seurer.
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Jan Hertaus
My Prayers and thoughts are with you during this sad time. May God give you strength and comfort in the days ahead.
Chris Berg
I’m so sorry for your loss. Praying for strength and comfort during this difficult time.
Deb Hafermann Sagisser
So sorry for your loss. Judy was a kind, sweet, caring lady and had such a beautiful smile. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Jackie LaTour
My thoughts are with you in such a difficult time.
Sharon Iverson
Judy and Bernie were the best friends and neighbors I have ever known. She was a talented cook. I’ll always remember her outside, hanging Christmas lights. May she rest in peace.
Love and prayers
Sharon Iverson
Don & Rosie Hauer
Words cannot express how sorry we are for your loss. A bright star on the family tree has been sent on to heaven to shine there in the presence of her Lord and Savior. Our heartfelt prayers for all your family will continue , that you feel the peace and comfort of God in all the days to come. Her beauty, her quiet dignity, her talent in decorating, especially at Christmas, and all the graciousness of a perfect hostess…she was one in a million, and will be missed by all who knew her. Our sincere sympathy to Bernie and all her family.
Mary Klingberg
So sorry to hear of your family’s loss, We had such a good time on a weekend we went on, she was such a beautiful soul inside and out.
Loretta Zacharias
Judy is now a beautiful angel, she will always be in our hearts and she will continue to guide her beautiful family from heaven. She will missed greatly by her family and friends. Our sincere condolences to your family and friends.
Kathy Bennett
A true person inside and out. Always a smile to share with others. Peace & comfort to all.
Ben Pahl
Bernie and family we are devastated to hear of your loss of one of the greatest mother and grandmother. She has touched the lives of countless people in her lifetime. We are one of those. We will pray and pray for Judy. Bernie, God bless you and your whole family.
Dolly Mach
Judy will always be remembered as such a positive and delightful person and just fun to be around. What a great role model for her children and grandchildren. My continued prayers for your family. Dolly Mach and family.
Mike Wolke
So sorry for your loss. What a kind and caring person.
Gary and Jan Stephens
We send our sympathies. Our time with her was always wonderful. She is a beautiful, kind, lovely lady. May you find peace in God’s arms.