Judy Johnson, 87, Blooming Prairie
Judith “Judy” Ann Johnson, age 87, of Blooming Prairie, entered eternal rest surrounded by her loving family on Saturday, November 8, 2025, at Field Crest Care Center in Hayfield.
Judy was born on Dec. 4, 1937, to Ervin and Edrie (Thompson) Bakkedahl and grew up on her parents’ dairy farm, where she learned the value of hard work, perseverance, and faith. From an early age, she was active in her church — baptized, confirmed, and later married at Trinity Lutheran Church in Hayfield. Judy was a graduate of Hayfield High School, Class of 1955. She carried her hometown values with her throughout her life.
On Oct. 12, 1957, she married her soulmate, Maynard Johnson, beginning a love story that spanned 72 years together (68 of them married). They built a beautiful life in Blooming Prairie, raising three children who were the center of her life. Judy was the heart of her family — always present and always ready with a warm hug, a listening ear, and her trademark common-sense advice. Whether it was helping with homework, cheering from the bleachers, clapping at concerts, or offering encouragement at the kitchen table, she made sure her children always knew how deeply they were supported and loved.
Judy spent 42 remarkable years driving bus 17 for Blooming Prairie Transportation, retiring in 2017. Her “bus kids” held a special place in her heart — she delighted in watching four generations grow up before her eyes. She was also a proud 26-year Avon Presidential Award winner, known for her dedication, attention to detail, and genuine connection with her customers and friends in the community.
Some of Judy’s favorite pastimes were cooking, camping, square dancing, bowling, snowmobiling, bird watching, and doing crossword puzzles with Maynard — but nothing brought her greater joy than being surrounded by family. Her loved ones are blessed with countless memories of summer days camping at the lake with her sisters, and the holiday magic she created for her children and grandchildren every Christmas. Judy made her home a welcoming haven — filled with laughter, good food, and open arms. Known affectionately as “MaMa Jude” or “My Second Mom” by so many, Judy had a remarkable gift for making everyone feel like family. Her tell-it-like-it-is honesty, paired with an open heart and genuine love, left a lasting impression on all who were fortunate enough to know her.
Judy is survived by her beloved husband, Maynard Johnson; children, Brad (Nancy) Johnson of Lakeville, Curt (Sallye) Johnson of Owasso, Okla., and Karen (Wade) Peterson of Blaine; grandchildren, Maliah (Brad), Ryan (Stephanie), Nicole (Sam), Danielle (Ryan), Brandon (Anna), and Celine (Ahmad); and nine great-grandchildren, Aubrey, Holland, Benedict, Gemma, Greysen, Miller, Graham, Adeline, and Presley. She is also survived by her sisters, Janice (Russ) Johnson, Laurene Heydt, Lavonne (Russ) Boullion;
sister-in-law, Barb Bakkedahl; many special nieces and nephews; and her cherished cats, Stanley and Stella.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Ervin and Edrie (Thompson) Bakkedahl; her stillborn daughter; brother, Lowell Bakkedahl; and brother-in-law, Virgil Heydt.
Service date and times at First Lutheran Church in Blooming Prairie are pending. Services are prearranged and performed by Worlein-Hoff Funeral Home in Blooming Prairie. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.worlein.com.