Judy K. Thies

JUDY KAY THIES was born on June 16, 1939 to Kenneth and Beulah (Gochnour) Jones in Chester, South Dakota. She attended school in Egan, South Dakota, graduating with the Class of 1957. That following summer Judy traveled and went to work in Rockerville, South Dakota. She then attended General Beadle Teacher’s School in Madison, South Dakota. On August 9, 1959 Judy married her high school sweetheart, John Thies at the Presbyterian Church in Pipestone, Minnesota. The couple made their home in Pipestone for the next 19 years. While raising their young family, Judy also cared for other families’ children. When her children reached school age, Judy began working as a paraprofessional for Pipestone Schools. In 1978, their family moved to Luverne, Minnesota. Judy continued to work in Pipestone for a couple of years, before becoming employed in the same capacity for Luverne Schools. Throughout the years, she also helped John at his work at Sturdevant’s Auto Parts. While in Luverne, Judy became very involved in leading the AFS student exchange program. The Thies’ served as host family to several young adults: Ana, Angela, and Paulo [Columbia], Maria [Mexico] and Rhonda [Australia]. Judy knew how to take an idea and put in the time to make it happen. She started and organized an annual AFS weekend in Luverne where their family and others hosted numerous children from all over the world. Additionally, she was instrumental in developing the annual winter carnival for the Luverne Music Boosters. Judy retired from school in 1998; however, she continued to stay active with AFS and other community groups during her retirement years. Judy passed away on Sunday, January 15, 2017 at the Sanford USD Medical Center in Sioux Falls, South Dakota at the age of 77 years, 6 months and 29 days.

Judy was a member of the United Methodist Church in Luverne and a past member of Salem United Methodist Church in Pipestone. She served as president of the local Girl Scouts and volunteered at day camps for the Girl Scouts. She was a member of the Luverne Red Hat group and enjoyed social time with her coffee club. Judy was a skilled cook and baker. Spend some time with Judy and you probably heard her say “Oh, I have this great recipe!” Christmas at the Thies family home came with a delicious assortment of Judy’s cookies, popcorn balls, lefse and krumkake. Judy’s greatest blessing was her family. She attended as many events and activities as she could of her beloved grandchildren.

Judy is remembered by her husband of 57 years, John; children, Terry (Lisa) Thies of Minnetonka, MN, Jeffrey (Jeanne) Thies of Chaska, MN, Kimberly (Jonathan) Mulder of Katy, Texas, and Shelly (Marty) Wold of New Richmond, WI; seven grandchildren; one great-granddaughter; AFS children, Maria Fernanda Aparicio Trana, Angela Milena Arias, Paulo Arias Pollo, Ana Milena Arias, and Rhonda Cree-Knight; and her brother, Jackie Jones of Mesa, AZ. She was preceded in death by her parents; and siblings, Joy Lacher and Jimmy Jones.

Memorials may be directed to the Salem Methodist Cemetery Fund:
48767 238th St.
Pipestone, MN 56164