Obituary: Judith Einarson

Judith Einarson

Judith "Judy" Einarson, 86, Bismarck, N.D., formerly of Minot, N.D., and Upham, N.D., died Friday, August 25, 2023, at the Baptist Health and Rehab Care Center in Bismarck.

On Nov. 25, 1936, in Harvey, N.D., Judith Lee Stock was born to Albert and Myrtle (Alfson) Stock. She was raised and attended elementary and high school in Fessenden, N.D. Judy went on to college at Valley City State College and received her Elementary Teaching Certificate.

Judy taught first grade at Bel Air and Longfellow Elementary Schools in Minot. It was at Longfellow Elementary where she met her lifelong sweetheart, Stefan Einarson.

Stef and Judy were married on August 12, 1961, in Minot. They had two children while living in Minot, Corey and Gail. They moved to Bemidji, Minn., in the summer of 1969, and resided there while Stef taught at BSC and Judy stayed home with the kids.

In 1975, they moved to Upham where she was a farmer's wife. Judy always had goodies and baked goods ready when the neighbors would stop by for coffee or full meal if needed. Judy was always ready for company any time of day!

After Stef's passing in 1986, Judy returned to Minot and worked at Bel Air, Perkett and Lewis and Clark Elementary Schools. Judy had a true passion for children. Judy worked in the Title 1 Reading program, where she assisted young children with reading.

She retired in 2002, but still wanted to work with children. She volunteered and became "Grandma Judy" helping in various classrooms but mainly with Amy Neal's kindergarten class at Lewis & Clark School. Judy's dedication to all the students was endless!

To keep busy when not working with children, she worked as a banquet server at the Holiday Inn and The Grand Hotel. As her health declined, she moved to Bismarck and resided at the Baptist Health and Rehab Center, where she could be closer to her family.

Judy was a member of Christ Lutheran Church in Minot, where she continued her journey in faith for many years. Along with her love for the Lord, Judy shared a deep love for all her family. She especially enjoyed gardening Pansy flowers. Judy will be remembered most for her sweet helping and loving demeanor toward all who crossed her path.

Judy is survived by her children, Corey (Jocelyn) Einarson, Prior Lake, Minn., and Gail (Dale) Luithle, Bismarck, N.D.; grandchildren, Stefan (Morgan) Einarson, Chloe Einarson, Brittney and Nathan Luithle; brother, Allen (Patti) Stock; brothers-in-law, Einar (Elaine) Einarson and George Hofmann; sister-in-law, Ollie (Bruce) Baker and several nieces, nephews and wonderful relatives.

Judy was preceded in death by her parents, Albert and Myrtle Stock; stepmother, Lorene Stock; husband, Stef; mother and father-in-law, Olive and Einar Einarson, Sr.; sisters-in-law, Shirley Hofmann and Fay Aipoalani and brother-in-law Don Aipoalani.

Celebration of Life Service for Judy was held 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 2, 2023, at Christ Lutheran Church, Minot.

Internment was at Melankton Cemetery, rural Kramer, N.D., on Sunday, September 3, 2023, at 2:00 p.m.

Visitation is on Friday, September 1, 2023, from 3:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m., at the Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot, with a Prayer Service to follow at 5:30 p.m. in the Thomas Family Funeral Home Chapel.

Arrangements by Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot, N.D.