Judith Ellison obituary

Judith Lynn Ellison (Beck), age 73, of Lake City, passed away Saturday, February 24, 2024, at her home surrounded by family. Judi was born, along with twin brother Jim, on September 26, 1950, in Lake City to James M. and Dolores Beck (Henn). This was on her dad’s birthday. Needless to say, it was a big day!
Judi grew up in Lake City, attended St. John’s Elementary School, and then graduated from Lincoln High School in 1968. She went on to attend Rochester Junior Community College. She worked at Mayo Clinic for a period of time, and then came back to Lake City where she worked at Super Valu.
On August 7, 1976, she married Brad Ellison at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Lake City. They were blessed with two children, Jennifer, and Joshua, and eventually with a grandson, Milo.
She went on to work with her mom at Whiting’s Nursery in Lake City for 20 years. Judi loved all things flowers and due to her gift of gab, Whiting’s did very well, we think. Many people stopped by to get wisdom on flowers, trees, shrubs and to talk to Judi and Dolores. She then worked at Lake Pepin Winery and took great pride in telling people that she stomped grapes with her bare feet (which wasn’t true).
Judi was president of the St. John’s Cemetery Association. She absolutely loved talking with people locally and from across the country. They would call her to ask about a long-lost relative who might be interned at the cemetery. She had a vast knowledge of families in the area and could render great support to their questions. Judi was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church where she also volunteered with the school lunch and other programs.
She was truly a jack of all trades and would tackle any or all jobs. Judi loved to paint, wallpaper, decorate or knock down a wall if needed. Her true passions were gardening and mowing the lawn with her beloved John Deere lawn tractors. Judi would drink coffee while mowing and on occasion mow down trees that might be in the way, even if they were 50’ tall!
Judi was a loving wonderful wife, mother, and friend and will be terribly missed by all!
Judi is survived by her loving husband, Brad Ellison, daughter, Jennifer (Jed Clark) Ellison, son, Josh (Nicky Finley) Ellison, all of Lake City; grandson, Milo Mullenix; siblings, twin brother, Jim (Kathy) Beck of Rice Lake, Wis., Mark (Marlene) Beck of Lake City, and Kim Wood of Lake City; aunt, June Henn of Lake City; aunt and uncle Bill and Diane Beck of New Brighton. She was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers, Joseph and Richard, and brother-in-law, Dale Wood.
The funeral service for Judi will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, February 29, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Lake City with Pastor Nathan Cordes officiating. Burial will follow the service in St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery. Friends and family may visit from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, February 28, at Schleicher Funeral Homes, Lake City Chapel and one hour prior to the service at the church on Thursday.
Arrangements by Schleicher Funeral Homes, Lake City Chapel.  Guest register may be signed at www.schleicherfuneralhomes.com.