Judith “Judie” Lynn Kemper Russell was born on Sept. 5, 1947, to Herbert Kemper and Lila Sterio Kemper in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She was raised in Bloomington, Minnesota, where she spent her early years building the foundation for a life centered around family, love, and the people and animals who meant so much to her.
Judie married Jim Russell, and together they welcomed three beautiful daughters into the world. Her family was, without a doubt, the greatest love of her life. She devoted herself wholeheartedly to her children and grandchildren and found so much joy in watching her family grow.
To her daughters and grandchildren, Judie was much more than a mom and grandma. She was the person they could always count on, the one who loved them through every chapter of life and whose love never came with conditions.
As her family continued to grow, becoming a grandmother brought Judie an entirely new kind of happiness. Her grandchildren, Tyler, Jacob, Madisyn, and Riley, each held a special place in her heart. Then came her newest pride and joy, her great-grandson, Scotty.
Judie had a love for dogs like no other. She knew all the neighborhood dogs and could be counted on to greet every one of them as they walked by. Her beloved dogs held a special place in her heart and brought her endless happiness throughout her life.
Judie also loved flowers, plants, and gardening. Her gardens were impeccable, and she took great pride in caring for them. Her flowers bloomed beautifully because she cared for them with the same love and devotion she gave to her family.
Judie passed away on Sept. 11, 2026. She was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved grandson, Tyler; and the dogs she loved so dearly and who held such a special place in her heart.
Left to carry on her memory are her daughters, Shannyn Russell, D’Layne (Brian) McGuire, and Shelby (Jamie) Losie; her best friend, Jim Russell; her grandchildren, Madisyn Jones, Riley Jones, and Jacob Losie; her great-grandson, Scotty; her sister, Jan (Rod) Swanson; her nieces and nephews; Jim’s entire family; and the many friends and loved ones whose lives she touched.
She also leaves behind the many friends and loving caregivers she met at Dove Healthcare in St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin, who became such an important part of her life.
Mom and Grandma, thank you for giving us a lifetime of love. We weren’t ready to say goodbye, and we never could have been. We love you more than words can express, and we will carry you with us every day until the day we meet again.
Our family would like to extend our deepest and most heartfelt gratitude to every member of the team at Dove Healthcare in St. Croix Falls. Thank you for caring for our mom and grandma with such compassion, kindness, patience, and love.
Please join us to celebrate Judie’s life on Sunday, Sept. 27, at Zhashagiins Event Center, 24133 State Road 35/70, Siren, Wisconsin. Visitation starts at noon, with a short service at 1 p.m., followed by a luncheon.
