Judith Brown

Judith Brown, age 84, of Belle Plaine, passed away on Sunday, July 19, 2026, at Abbott Northwestern Hospital. Funeral Service will be at 11 a.m. on Thursday, July 23, 2026, at St. John Lutheran Church in Belle Plaine. Rev. Sherri Otto will officiate. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church on Thursday morning. Interment will be in Oakwood Cemetery, followed by lunch served in the church social hall.

Judy was born on April 20, 1942, to Everett and Nellie (Slette) Rasmusson. She grew up in Emmons, MN. Judy was a talented drummer in high school and enjoyed telling stories of marching in many parades alongside her friends.

On September 7, 1963, she married Bob Brown at Emmons Lutheran Church. They lived in Winnebago for a few years before moving to Belle Plaine. Judy studied Nursing at Naeve Hospital School of Nursing, Class of 1963. Judy began her career in the hospital setting before finding her true passion in long term care. Judy worked at The Lutheran Home in Belle Plaine for many years. She proudly held the title of Director of Nursing; prior to retirement she worked in the Hope Residence unit. Judy's compassion and care of those she served was highly regarded. Judy carried on with this compassion and love onto her family. Judy was a loving and supportive mom to her daughters. She thought the world of her grandchildren and enjoyed attending their many events through the years. Judy was promoted to great grandma in 2019 and was affectionately called "GiGi" by her two great grandsons. She enjoyed spoiling them and quite often playing on the floor. They were truly her greatest joy. Judy loved to travel when she could and she of course loved shopping. She found comfort and peace in music.

She is preceded in death by her parents; her brother Alan; and husband Bob in 2014.

Judy is survived by her daughters, Shari (Jim) Esson of Lakeville, MN, and Lori (Jeff) Thaves of Belle Plaine; 4 grandchildren, Afton (Mariah) and Mackenzie (Adam) Esson, and Kelsey and Colin (Erin) Thaves; great grandsons Arjuna and Waylon; sister, Joanne (Earl) Jensen; sister-in-law Sharon (Gary) Nelson; brother-in-law Jim (Pam) Brown; and many nieces and nephews.