Judith M. Rydeen

Judith M. Rydeen, age 89 of Scandia, Minnesota, died Friday, August 15, 2025, surrounded by her family. Judith “Judy” was born November 6, 1935, in Forest Lake, Minnesota, the daughter of Frank and Leila (Holmbeck) Andersen. A proud graduate of Forest Lake High School, Judy was valedictorian of the Class of 1953. Later in life, she attended college in Frederic, Wisconsin, studying to become a teacher, while raising her family and working on the dairy farm.

Through a close friend, Judy met the love of her life, Gordon “Gordy” Rydeen. They were married in 1954 at Faith Lutheran Church, beginning a lifelong partnership rooted in love, family, and service. Together, they made their home in Scandia, where they raised their children and became deeply involved in the community. She became a member of Elim Lutheran Church in 1954.

Over the years, Judy worked at the Saint Paul Dispatch and later in the office at Capp Homes. She went on to serve her community in many ways: as a Girl Scout leader for 12 years, secretary of the Scandia Planning Commission for 21 years, and election judge for an incredible 50 years. She was also a devoted member of the Scandia-Marine Lions Club, where she served as president and was honored with the prestigious Melvin Jones Award for her outstanding service.

Judy’s work life was just as diverse as her passions—she reported for the Country Messenger and was well known as a friendly cashier and greeter at Walmart in Saint Croix Falls and Stillwater. She had a quick mind, a love of trivia, and an incredible knowledge of facts and figures—her family always believed she could have won any game show. She loved spending time at the family cabin in McGregor, Minnesota that her father build when she was ten years old.

Judy was very involved politically as a state delegate. She worked with many campaigns over the years, including Walter Mondale and Jimmy Carter.

Creative and full of spirit, Judy loved holidays and dressed for every occasion with festive outfits and accessories. She had a gift for floral arranging, designing wedding pieces and even branching out into creating wedding cakes.

Above all, Judy’s life was defined by her love for her family. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, whose legacy of love and commitment will carry on in those she leaves behind.

She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Gordy; her parents; and sisters, Betty Ewald and Susan Weiss.

Judy is survived by her children, Karen Johnson, Roger (Peggy) Rydeen, Kathy (Mike) Judson, David (Brenda) Rydeen, and Kristin Benson; grandchildren, Erin (Shawn) Timm, Holly (John Gould) Modahl, Patrick (Jenny) Rydeen, Allen (Christina) Rydeen, Michelle (Ryan Borovansky) McCarty, Lisa (Jeremiah) Johnson, Travis (Stephanie) Judson, Kelsie (Andy) Larson, Ben Benson, and Reanna (Dustin Mansil) Benson; 15 great-grandchildren; as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at Elim Lutheran Church, 20971 Olinda Trail North, Scandia. Visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m. at the church. Interment at Elim Lutheran Cemetery.