Takkunen, Judith Lynn (Pauni) age 80, of Minneapolis, MN, passed away on June 28th after a valiant battle with kidney cancer. Judy was born on January 21, 1944 in Fond du Lac, WI and was the sole child of Dorothy and Urho "Paul" Pauni. She is survived by her sons, Dave (Hilary) Nordland and Mark (Lisa) Nordland; grandchildren, Tanner, Carter, Keller, Martha, Ian, Brianna (David), Tyler (Olivia), Spencer, and great grandchildren, Liam, Aelwyn, and Jensen. Judy was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Len Takkunen (survived by daughter, Brooke and granddaughter, Zoe; son, Blake), and parents. Judy grew up in Minneapolis and graduated from Southwest High School in 1962. She went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree from Lawrence University in Appleton, WI. After college, Judy worked as a school teacher in Milwaukee before moving back to Minnesota where she raised her children and was active in her community of Chaska. Judy was a leader with the League of Women Voters on both local and state levels and was appointed to the Chaska Park and Rec Commission as its first arts advocate. As her boys grew older, Judy began a career leading volunteer services at Ridgeview Medical Center in Waconia and then as Director of the Service League at Hennepin County Medical Center in Minneapolis. Words are not enough to describe the magic that was Judy. She was a passionate learner, avid traveler, book lover, patron of the arts, gardener, loyal and caring friend, and an active, engaged mom and grandma. Judy cherished summers at her cabin on the North Shore with friends and family and continued to be awestruck by the great Gichigami. She was an active member of Plymouth Congregational Church in Minneapolis for more than 50 years, volunteering in countless areas, and singing as an alto in the choir. The love in her heart was boundless. She was a loyal and caring friend who valued her companions as extended family. Judy truly walked the walk as she gave of her time and donated quietly to the areas where she saw need for change, including immigration, homelessness, equality, Native American community needs, and education. Judy gave so much to those who knew and loved her. She leaves behind joyful, humorous, loving memories for the many lives she touched to treasure. A Memorial Service will be held on Tuesday, July 9th at 10:30am with a Visitation prior to the service at 9:30am at Plymouth Congregational Church located at 1900 Nicollet Avenue, Mpls 55403. Live stream available at youtube.com/live/… Lunch will be served following the service at the church. Private burial at Lakewood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum online at arb.umn.edu/ or via mail at: Attn: tributes, PO Box 860647, Mlps, MN 55486 or a charity close to your heart.

Published on July 6, 2024