Judie A Dickson

Judie A. Dickson, 71, of La Crescent, MN, was called home by our Lord on Saturday, October 1, 2016 to be with her loving mother, Martha. Over a 25 year period, Judie fought four separate, very serious, battles with cancer. Judie fought the fourth cancer for over a year, with all the courage and bravery she could muster, always with a very positive attitude, and she never gave up. Her last cancer was a battle she could not win. Judie told me she had to leave because she could no longer stand the pain. I will miss her and love her forever. Life will never be the same without Judie, she was my life.
Judie was born on July 6, 1945 to Martha (Gronemus) and Jerome “Butch” Hundt . In addition to her husband John of 47 years, she is survived by her loving father Jerome “Butch” Hundt of Cashton, Wi, her best friends; sister Kathy (Tom) Hankee of Portland, Wi, John’s children; Jon Dickson, Jolene Dickson, and Jeri (John) Harbaugh, and the grandchildren; Jesse and Jake Dickson, Brooke (Matt) Klug, Heather (James) Krajewski, Alek Eglinton and Claire Eglinton (Nathan Stafki), Ty and Harlee Harbaugh. She loved all of them as they were her very own. Three nieces that Judie loved so very much, Laura, Anne, and Brenda and children, Jake, Ben, Jack, and Addie. Judie’s sister/brother in laws Mary Ann (Ray) Dobrunz, Carole (Chuck) Smith, Jackie ( Bill) Underhill, Connie Dickson, and Ray (Barb) Dickson, along with numerous nephews and nieces and her lifelong best friend Peggy Thompson.
Judie graduated from Cashton High School and headed to Madison where she graduated from the College of Cosmetology, then was employed in La Crosse for a number of years as a cosmetologist. She met the love of her life John who owned and operated the Crescent Inn in La Crescent. They were married on September 16, 1969. Judie then decided to work full time as manager at the Crescent inn. After 6 years they sold the Crescent Inn and Purchased Jorstads Sport shop. Judie was again named manager and built up a thriving business. After a number of years Judie was offered the position of Club Manager of the La Crescent American Legion where she was employed for 26 very profitable years. During her 26 years as legion club manager she fought three very serious cancers, all requiring chemo, radiation, and radical surgeries, losing the use of her right arm. After every cancer, no matter what, she was back on the job.
Over the years Judie and John went on numerous trips to Mexico, Alaska, Brazil, Bahamas, Jamaica Punta Canta, Hawaii, Laughlin and many trips to Ft. Myers Beach, Florida with their friends the Petrie’s. Judie was awarded “Woman of the Year” at Apple Fest in 2002. During her 26 years as American Legion Club Manager Judie managed the legion club and also oversaw the catering, kitchen, and hall rental, for hundreds of non-profit groups, for profit businesses, weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, funerals, and charitable benefits. Judie took a great deal of pride in making all of these events very successful.
Judie was a devoted Green Bay Packer fan and she could stand toe to toe with the best on Packer facts. John being a Viking fan and Judie a Packer fan sometimes caused problems, with Judie usually winning out. Judie and John enjoyed being fishing buddies, best of friends, and they loved each other for 47 years. Judie loved her flower gardens and she grew a lot of beautiful flower. She enjoyed her waterfall and pond and the KOI fish. A lot of her past time was spent fishing bluegills, which she loved to do, and was very good at it. Spending many afternoons, sitting on their boat docks fishing, or out in the fishing boat, where Judie usually caught most of the fish.
Last year Judie had a beautiful screen porch added to our deck overlooking the West Channel River. There was nothing she enjoyed more than sitting on her new porch, listening to music, and watching the boats and river go by. Judie lived and loved life, and thanked God on a regular basis, for the extended number of years she was given to be with her families and friends that she loved so much.
Our families want to thank all the doctors, nurses, and staff at the Mayo Clinic Health Cancer Center and hospital. A more dedicated, competent, and compassionate group of people are hard to find. I want to especially thank Dr. DeBranin, Judie’s oncologist. Dr. Debranin treated Judie as if she were one of his own family members. He thought nothing of calling our home in the evenings and even on Sundays, just to check on how Judie was doing and wondering if there was anything we needed. I told him we needed a miracle and he said, pointing at Judie, “here stands our miracle.” He is the best, one that the Mayo Clinic can be very proud to call their own. We also want to thank the Mayo Hospice staff. They were very proficient and caring and assisted with all family needs. They were there for us 24/7 and always so very kind and thoughtful.
A Mass Of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Thursday, October 6, 2016 at The Church Of The Crucifixion, La Crescent. Rev. Gregory Havel will officiate. Burial will be in the Crucifixion Cemetery. Friends may call on the family Wednesday evening at the church from 4 until 7pm and again at the church on Thursday morning from 9:30am until the time of services. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred and will be donated in Judie’s memory.