Judith M. Schlais

Judith (Judy) Marie Schlais, age 81, of St. Bonifacius, passed away on Thursday, August 27. Judy was born in St. Louis Park on April 17, 1945, to Marie and Juul Dahl.
 
Judy grew up in a small house in a close-knit St. Louise Park community.  She was active in church and joined the girl scouts while earning good grades in school.  Judy went to the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities and earned her degree in education. She managed school, commuting, and a job while helping care for her sister (who had been in a coma and had significant rehab to do) and her dad (who was ill). She taught elementary school for a few years, prior to starting a family. She became a stay-at-home mom to Sara, then Eric. She went back to work years later in various office and supervisory jobs, including Carlson Companies and GN Resound, but her favorite job was being a mom to Sara and Eric.  She excelled at caring for her kids. She was a good listener, homework helper and patient activity coordinator. Judy organized camping trips, and later trips to the Caribbean, which created a lot of good memories for the family.
 
When Judy became a grandma, once again she shined. Judy would do anything for her grandkids. She spent hours teaching them how to sew, baking with them, and taking them to parks and other adventures with grandpa Don. She didn’t miss many of her grandkids’ performances and could often be found in a theater or gym most weeks.
 
In the later years, you could find Judy quilting or knitting.  She was very talented and patient - getting a quilt just so required a lot of it! Her beautiful quilts adorn many people’s homes and will be a reminder of her love for us. Christmas was Judy’s favorite holiday, and she spoiled everyone with gifts and baked goods. She also loved shopping, especially with her daughter Sara, and chocolate. She would get a twinkle in her eye if something made with chocolate was on the menu. 

Judy is preceded in death by her parents, Juul and Marie Dahl and her sister Wendy Schoenike (Dahl). She is survived by her loving family: husband Don, son Eric, daughter in law Bree, daughter Sara, son in law Tony; grandchildren Sam, Kate, Barrett and Emery; brother Rick and sister in law Diane.

Services will be held to celebrate Judy on Friday, September 11, 2026, at Waconia Faith Lutheran Church (800 Waconia Pkwy N., Waconia): 10 am visitation, 11 am funeral, 12 pm lunch.

If you wish to make a donation, please do in Judy’s memory to The Alzheimer's Association https://events.alz.org/fundraisers/sarajarosz/judy-schlais-alzheimer--s-association-memorial

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