Judy Jo Anne Lee, 75, of Houston, Minn., died Saturday, December 9, 2017, at Tweeten Care Center in Spring Grove, Minn. Judy was born August 5, 1942, in Spring Grove to Jay and Beulah (Forde) Kallis. She attended a one-room school house in Rooster Valley near her home place. She then went to Spring Grove Elementary and graduated from Spring Grove High School, May 5, 1962. She was a country girl. She loved to be outside, go fishing, help her dad and then into kitchen to try new recipes — the Kallis household was her taste kitchen. She loved her brother and sister and they played many games outside, croquet, kick-ball and picnics with the cousins and Spring Grove Pop was a treat. These were memories she shared, fun only after the daily chores were done. Judy enjoyed being with all people, getting to know them and keep that friendship, at her 75th birthday party were classmates that were still very good friends. After high school, She worked at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn., as a surgery tech and had the privilege of working with Dr. Will Mayo. She married Jerry Lee at Faith Lutheran Church in Black Hammer, Minn. on May 5, 1962. Together they owned and operated the Lee Homestead farm located in Yucatan, Minn, which was settled in 1869. They designed and built their own home, which was her home with Jerry for 55 years; she developed floral and vegetable gardens and they grew steadfast over the years. She worked as a partner on the farm with Jerry, always having hearty meals ready for the farmers/hired hands and was busy raising three children. They started a second career by developing the Houston Insurance Agency AKA Jerry Lee Insurance Company, which was run from their home. She was the organizer, bookkeeper and insurance secretary until the last 20 years when she became a licensed insurance agent, too. This business was ever growing while also growing the farm. She helped with chores, from chickens, dairy and beef cattle to pigs and crops. She enjoyed being outside and admiring the beauty of the valley that she was a part of each day. She took pride in the appearance of the home, the yard and the outdoor décor’ themed for the season. She collected many Scandinavian antiques as part of her heritage and proudly displayed them. In the early marriage days she would bake homemade bread and buns, do canning and pickling and make sugar cookies and awesome desserts, usually with whip crème in the recipe. As she became settled in the valley, she became the unofficial Welcome Wagon to the valley. She and Jerry welcomed many new people to the area and made to feel like family. By greeting them, bringing baked goods, assisting in any way if needed and just with that beautiful friendly smile you had a friend. Judy did take time to relax during the years, enjoying camping, mini trips, dancing, snowmobiling and shopping with her daughter, grandchildren, Dad and both sons, too.
Judy had a heart of gold and everything she did in life was for someone else. To make someone else’s day easier or brighter brought her much joy. Her family was of the most importance; she enjoyed every minute spent with them, especially playing card games (such as Euchre), board games with the grandchildren. She was an active cheerleader for her children’s and grandchildren’s school events and hobbies. She was heard many times “wa-hooing” at all of their school events. She loved floral gardening, being actively involved in the Cross of the Christ Church, the Yucatan Homemakers, the Houston community, and a supporter of the Houston Booster Club. She loved to entertain and host parties, enjoyed a good game of bingo, enjoyed humor and playing jokes on friends. She will always be remembered for her welcoming smile, warm hugs and her “giggle.” She enjoyed cooking and baking, from outstanding chili to amazing desserts and all the Christmas baking. She loved to go shopping and finding that special gift for friends and loved ones. Judy and Jerry loved to venture out and visit people, go antiquing and just be together. Many friends called her “mom” and “camping Grandma.” She believed in the magic of Christmas, which was her absolute favorite time of year.
Judy is survived by her husband Jerry of 55 years, three children: Kari (Mike) Odenbrett of Preston, Duron (Shelly) Lee of Houston, and Jon (Lisa) Lee of Houston; six grandchildren: Vanessa, Dylan, Nathan, Rebecca, Cohl and Cameron; sister Kae (Richard) Townsend of Osage, Iowa; sister-in-law, Beverly Kallis of Spring Grove, and nephews Kevin Kallis of Chatfield, Jeff Kallis of Rochester, niece Joni Kallis of Rochester, nephews Mike Kallis of Mabel and Steve Kallis of southern Illinois, who all were near and dear to her heart. She was preceded in death by her parents, brother Rodney Kallis and nephew Gordy Kallis, both of Mabel.
Funeral service was 11 a.m., Saturday, December 16, 2017, at Cross of Christ Lutheran Church in Houston, with the Reverend Linda McPeak officiating. Visitation was 4-7 p.m. Friday, December 15, 2017, at Hoff Funeral & Cremation Service.
Please share a memory of Judy, sign her online guestbook and view her video tribute when it becomes available at www.hofffuneral.com.
The Family of Judy Lee would like to THANK EVERYONE that supported us and shared in her celebration of life, we thank you for all the condolences and the comfort of love during this time. We will miss her so!
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