Obituary of Judith F. Jesmer

Judy Jesmer: Loving mother, dedicated friend, passionate pet champion and music devotee passed away at St. John’s hospital in Maplewood, Minnesota on Friday, February 16, 2024, at age 76. Judy devoted her life to the service and care of people and animals. Judy’s strength of character is unmatched. Judy was a fixture on the local Bingo scene, making friends wherever she played. She was a mighty woman, a dear friend, and a mentor to many. One of the first things you notice about her are her warm and loving blue eyes. In talking with her, be prepared to laugh out loud as she had a great sense of humor. She gave as good as she got, just ask her best friend, Wendy, she has stories of them for days. If you needed a shirt, Judy would give you the one on her back.

Born in 1947 in St. Paul, at Bethesda hospital to William A. Peterson and Lillian E. Young. Growing up she enjoyed spending time with her dear sister, Arlene, and big brother, Ray. When Ray and Arlene would have friends over to play records on their Hi-Fi, Judy would sure to be nearby to listen. I’ll bet this is also when she developed her angelic singing voice.

Her favorite book as a child was Black Beauty by Anna Sewell. With her un-wavering love of horses, she had a collection of horse figurines dotted across the windowsill at her childhood home. In the 80’s, her passion for these majestic animals came into reality; her horse, Casanova J. Jesmer, brought immense joy to her life. With any horses she spent time with, she went directly to their manes to inhale their life force, these animals put her in touch with her inner self.

In 1966 she married Mike Jesmer. They dedicated their lives to their four children: Mike T. Jesmer (Rose), Joy C. Jesmer, Mark J. Jesmer and Janel J. Lane (Rich). Judy, living her motto of ‘always room for one more’, along with Mike became foster parents for Ramsey County starting in the mid-70’s, until 2010. Today, years later, those ‘kids’ say how much Judy and Mike made a difference in their lives.

She enjoyed cooking; you couldn’t get enough of her dumplings in her home-made Turkey soup after Thanksgiving. Or witnessing her taste testing, with saltine crackers, her home-made pasta, or in season, smelling the fresh vegetables and herbs for her pico-de-gallo.

Her first grandchild, Michael (Hillary), born to Judy’s firstborn, Mike, stole her heart. Soon to follow and expand her heart is Matthew (Amanda), Josh, Zach, Dalia, Aaron (Andy), Meghan (Trevor), Avrey (Ian), Alissa, Sidney, Cal, Savaahn, and Savaahna.  To her grandchildren, she is known as Gram and always there for them as a friend, teacher, and confidant. She was very proud to be a great grandma to Madison, Raelyn and Wyatt.

Judy had special relationships with her loving sister-in-law Jeanne, her nephews, Jeff, Cory and Billy and her nieces Denise, Barbie, Colleen, Maureen, and Monica. To each of them, her role of Aunt wasn’t just a moniker, she was ever present in their personal lives. The same goes for all her grand nephews and nieces.

Neil Diamond, Kenny Rogers, and Gordon Lightfoot are just a few of the musical artists she loved to sing and dance along to. When she cleaned the family home, she opened the windows wide and blared Journey’s song, Lovin’, Touchin’, Squeezin’.

Throughout her life, she gave of her time and resources to the safety and protection of animals. They held as much space in her heart as her family. Her best fur friend, her kitty Sarabi, will miss her dearly.

Judy was preceded in death by her grateful husband, Mike J. Jesmer and her loving sister, Arlene Morgan, brother Ray Peterson and many ancestors, known, and unknown.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Caring for Cats https://caringforcatsmn.org/