Judy Mahowald, age 82, of Prior Lake, MN, was surrounded by family when she passed peacefully and entered eternal life on Wednesday, November 22, 2023.
A visitation will be held honoring Judy on Thursday, November 30, 2023, from 3-7 pm and on Friday, December 1, 2023, from 9:30-10:45 am, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 am, all at St. Michael Catholic Church, 16400 Duluth Avenue SE, Prior Lake. Guests may also join the mass at stmichael-pl.org and click on the livestream tab. Father Tom Walker will preside, with her grandchildren acting as pallbearers. Judy will be laid to rest at St. Michael Catholic Cemetery.
Judy’s true passion throughout life was family! This core value was instilled at birth from her parents, John and Magdalene (Worshak) Caduff. Born Judith Claire on February 17, 1941, in St. Paul, MN, she was the middle sibling to Ed, Jerry, Janice and Larry, who grew up most of their years in Prior Lake. Judy’s father worked at an area farm, where she became very proud of the Brown Swiss cows that her father cared for. In 4H, Judy showed her cow at county and state fairs. Besides family, she also treasured friendships throughout her life. Judy attended Prior Lake Schools, where she graduated.
Family became more meaningful after meeting the love of her life, Bernard Emil Mahowald. He gave her a ride home after a night at a local dancehall, and it paid off! Judy and Bernie were united in Holy Matrimony on September 28, 1963, at St. Michael Catholic Church, in Prior Lake. From this union, her life was enriched, becoming a mother to Mark, Robert, Barry, and Shari. As the children’s families grew, Judy embraced the title of grandma with open arms and remained active in their lives. It didn’t matter what they did; school activities, sporting events, attending turtle races, or having ice cream was filled with pure joy.
The Mahowald family created many fond memories. They loved spending time at the cabin that Bernie built in 1971 in Longville, MN and still enjoy gathering at today. In honor of Longville, Judy loved to decorate the cabin with turtles. At her home in Prior Lake, Judy was always in motion inside and outside. She spent countless hours perfectly mowing the lawn, trimming the bushes, selecting the perfect flowers to plant, and tending to her vegetable garden. Judy’s home was always filled with amazing smells of freshly cooked meals and delicious baked goods. She worked endlessly providing the perfect home for her family. As a couple, Judy and Bernie cherished traveling the United States & Europe. She was especially proud of her family heritage of Switzerland.
It was evident that the family remained the center of Judy’s life. For decades, her entire family (children and grandchildren) also worked side by side. Judy was the heart and the reason for many successful Mahowald businesses. Her days were filled running the office and household, while still making lunches for anyone who may stop by.
Family would have not been possible without Judy’s strong faith in God. She was a devoted servant to her Catholic faith and assured her family followed in her footsteps. Christmas was most special at the Mahowald home. Judy decorated every inch of their home inside and out in honor of Christ’s birthday. Each gift was wrapped flawlessly, and the meal created with unconditional love. Since 2018, Judy has enjoyed the simpler times of watching the wildlife outside her home and still being surrounded by her family.
Judy will be forever loved and missed by husband of 60 years, Bernie; children, Mark “Sparky” (Susie) Mahowald, Robert (Amy) Mahowald, Barry (Molly) Mahowald, Shari (Joe) Mertens; grandchildren, Melissa, Ellie, Claire, Shane, Myles, Benjamin, Nicholas, Jacob, Kaylee; siblings, Janice (Lee) Seurer, Larry (Pat) Caduff; sister-in-law, Kathy Caduff; other relatives, friends, and special care givers. Greeting Judy home in eternal life are her parents, John and Magdalene; brothers, Ed Caduff, Gerry Caduff and Godchild, John Lee Seurer.
