Judith "Judy" Leonore Reierson

Judy Lenore Reierson, age 85, of Frazee, Minnesota, peacefully passed away on September 30th surrounded by the love of the family she treasured so deeply.

Judy was born March 22, 1941, at Clearwater County Memorial Hospital in Bagley, Minnesota, to Theodore and Bernice Netland. She was baptized and confirmed at Bethel Lutheran Church in rural Bagley and graduated from Bagley HS in 1959. Judy loved school and was especially fond of Band and English. She participated in 4-H, where she developed a love of sewing, a skill she learned from her mother. In 1960 she married Jack Jasperson and two children were born. She later attended Bemidji State University and earned certification to teach business subjects.

Judy was an exceptionally dedicated and hardworking woman, qualities her family admired throughout her life. She built a long career in education and public service, serving as Business Manager for the Lakes Coop in Detroit Lakes from 1972 to 1981 and later as Business Manager for Lake Park-Audubon School from 1982 to 2002. She also served her community as Clerk for Height of Land Township, first filling the position in 1983 and then being elected in 1984, serving until 2006. Judy served for many years as an election judge and notary public. She also completed and continued learning throughout her career and earned certification through the MN Association of School Business Officials. She took great pride in her work and embraced the changing world around her, including helping both the school and township make their transition into the world of technology.

But for all of Judy’s accomplishments, family was truly at the center of her life.

Judy shared 57 years of marriage with Barry, the love of her life. They started their family in Vergas in 1969, where they built lasting friendships and cherished memories. Music was woven throughout Judy and Barry's life together. Judy loved attending Barry's performances and was often the first on the dance floor, especially if Barry was by her side. Family was at the heart of everything she did. As a devoted grandmother and great-grandmother, she rarely missed a game, concert, or activity, proudly supporting her grandchildren every chance she could. Watching her grandchildren and great-grandchildren grow brought her immense joy.

Some of her happiest times were often spent with the people she loved with annual trips to Florida, walking on the beach, family gatherings, summers at the lake, sewing, and taking pictures. From childhood, Judy treasured large family gatherings with cousins. She also enjoyed the sweeter things in life, including desserts and flowers. Among her favorites were bread pudding, sunflowers, and daisies. Bright and cheerful things her family remembers about her.

Judy also had an unmistakable sense of style. She loved fashion and had a timeless, classic way of dressing. Her family will always remember Judy's carefully chosen “otfits,” as she affectionately called them. Whether going to a family gathering, an event, church or simply out for the day, Judy had a way of looking put together that was completely her own.

Faith remained important throughout Judy's life. She was a member of the United Methodist and Bethlehem Lutheran churches.

Judy is survived by her devoted husband of 56 years, Barry Reierson; her sister Ann McClarty; her children, Jaime (Kevin) Pieper, Jason (Andrea) Reierson, Jena (James) Cossette, Mike (Sandy) Reierson, Brenda Reierson; her grandchildren, Cole (Kilah) Pieper, Claire (Joe) Dritsas, Brooke (Tim) Olson, Bryan (Haley Jo) Jasperson, Reily Reitmeier, Reid, Ellie , Annika , and Benjamin Reierson, and Wyatt Olson; and her great-grandchildren, Alea, Brylee and Jaxson Jasperson; Theodore and Evelyn Dritsas; and Emmet and Elana Pieper.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Bernice and Theodore Netland; her mother and father-in-law Ikey and Glee Reierson, her son, Jeffery Jasperson; her granddaughter, Brianne Jasperson; her brother-in-laws, Boyd McClarty, Mark and Steven Reierson; and many other beloved relatives and friends who were an important part of her life.

Judy's family will remember a woman who worked hard, loved deeply, showed up proudly, dressed beautifully, danced whenever she had the chance, and never stopped celebrating the people she loved.

And somewhere in those memories, there will always be music playing, Barry nearby, and Judy ready to dance.