Judith Ann Tellander

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Judith Ann Tellander, age 83, of Hudson, WI, who departed from this world peacefully at home on January 3, 2025 after bravely battling cancer for several years.

“Judie” was born July 25, 1941 in Lafayette, Minnesota to Lee and Gertrude (Meurer) Hoffmann.  After graduating from New Ulm High School in 1959, she moved to St. Paul, MN and began a 27- year career at 3M Company.  There she held a variety of positions including Information Technology Event Meeting Planner, Travel Services Communications Administrator and Administrative Services Supervisor.  A highlight of her career was working at the Olympic Games in Calgary, Canada and Seoul, Korea.  After retiring from 3M, she enjoyed being a model home hostess for Derrick Custom Homes.

She was united in marriage in February 1961 to Robert W. Tellander and blessed with three wonderful children.

Judie was preceded in death by her parents, two older brothers, Howard Hoffmann and Thomas Hoffmann, a niece, Erin, and a sister-in-law, Charlotte.

Judie leaves behind a legacy of love and cherished memories, carried on by her loving and devoted husband of 63+ years, Robert, and her children, Kim (Don) Harmon of Hudson, WI; Kelly (Steve) Vakulskas of Minnetrista, MN; and Robert M. (Ann) Tellander of Coon Rapids, MN; 12 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.  She is also survived by her two sisters, Sue Caldwell and Penny (Bob) Heiti both of Hudson and a brother, Neal (Carol) Hoffmann of Lafayette, MN as well as many nieces and nephews who she loved dearly.

Judie’s life was a tapestry of love, devotion, and quiet strength. She embodied the essence of caregiving and Judie’s life was marked by her unwavering commitment to her family. As a grandmother, she became a trusted source of comfort, wisdom, and unconditional love. Her dogs, Tucker and Ginger(s), and many cats, all named Patches, were also a big part of her life.  She poured her heart and soul into everything she did, touching the lives of those around her with kindness, joy, compassion and love.  To know Judie, was to love Judie!

Judie was a passionate woman and had many hobbies and interests including gardening, reading historical fiction, playing cards, building and decorating houses and lake homes, collecting dolls and looking for antiques that reminded her of her childhood growing up on the farm.  She enjoyed time at their cabin in Hayward and especially loved and looked forward to her annual Caribbean cruises with her daughters. She was a long-time volunteer at the Phipps Center for the Arts and enjoyed serving funeral luncheons at the St. Patrick’s Catholic Church at which she was a member for many years.

She was so proud of her family and her greatest joy came from watching them grow and mature into the outstanding individuals they have become.  Judie’s memory will live on in the hearts of her family and numerous friends as a legacy of love, beauty, grace, charm, kindness, perseverance, and strength. Her presence will be profoundly missed, but the warmth of her spirit and the joy she brought to those around her will remain a source of comfort.

Judie wants to be remembered as the daughter of the living and eternal God.   May she rest in peace, knowing her life was well-lived and deeply cherished.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, January 13th, 2025 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church from 10:00-11:00am followed by a funeral Mass starting at 11:00am.  Following the Mass, a luncheon will be served in the parish hall.  The service can be viewed via livestream HERE. https://www.facebook.com/stpatrickparishhudson

In lieu of flowers, memorials would be greatly appreciated to St. Patrick’s Catholic Church or the Hudson Public Library.

Funeral services are entrusted to the O’Connell Family Funeral Homes and Cremation Services of Hudson (715) 386-3725 https://www.oconnellfuneralhomes.com .