Judy Gatzow

Judy Gatzow (Faymoville), age 66 of Wyoming, passed away peacefully on March 11, 2018.

She is preceded in death by father Norman; brother Fran, sisters Norma and Mary Nutter, and sister-in-law Jean Faymoville.

She will be deeply missed by her husband of 47 years, Neil Gatzow, her children Brandy Timmons (Chris) and Erica Karger-Gatzow (Jeremy); grandchildren Harper, Alma and Otis; mother Ruth Faymoville Johnston; siblings Duane (Charlene), Greg (Sue), Barb (Dave) Pritchard, Mark (Lori), Todd Nutter, Dean (Dawn), David (Pam), Kevin (DeeDee) Lawrence; aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Judy grew up on a hobby farm south of Forest Lake, MN. She lived in Wyoming, MN for 47 years and was first lady of the town for 14 years. A member of St. Paul Lutheran Church since 1969, Judy served as church treasurer, Sunday School teacher, worked on the banner committee, and sang in the choir throughout the years.

Judy always professed that she was making pies since age 3. Being the oldest daughter in a family of 9 children, she helped with many chores, tending house, and taking care of her younger siblings. Working outside the home since age 15 and for nearly 50 years, she was a dedicated employee and proud to share her talents with her employers. She worked in a variety of clerical and office manager positions. For a number of years, she enjoyed owning her own floral shop in Wyoming. According to Judy, the best jobs she ever had was retirement and being a grandmother.

She loved long car rides, time along the North Shore, working in her yard and gardens, Christmas and the 4th of July, elaborate dining experiences, burgers from a dive bar, and summer drinks on the front porch. One of her favorite memories was a trip to Spain walking over 150 miles of the Camino de Santiago.

Attending every softball game, piano recital, track meet, or lately, roller derby bout, she was her children’s and her grandchildren’s biggest supporter. She made the trains run on time for the family. Always making sure meals were made, the laundry was done and everyone had good, quality coats and shoes for the season. After her children were grown, she took up quilting on her own and with her family for those she cared about. Intensely loyal and giving to her friends and family, many received a quilt as a wedding gift or for the arrival of a baby.

In remission from liver cancer for over two years, Judy was waiting for a liver transplant. She received that call, and on Friday, March 9th she was on her way to the Operation Room. During the surgery, complications occurred. For days medical staff helped her to recover, but on the evening of Sunday, March 11th she passed in the presence of family.

Memorial Service will be at 11a.m. on Tuesday, March 20, 2018, at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 5879 Wyoming Trail, Wyoming.  Visitation will be from 4-7p.m. on Monday, March 19, 2018, at Mattson Funeral Home, 343 North Shore Dr., Forest Lake, and continue one hour prior to the funeral service at the church on Tuesday.

Memorials may be directed to St. Paul Lutheran Church of Wyoming, MN or the American Cancer Society.