Judi Mae Thiesse

Judi Mae (Ahlborn/Hughes) Thiesse, age 80, of Lake Crystal passed away with family by her side on Wednesday, April 2, 2025.

Visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m., on Monday, April 14, 2025 at Zion Lutheran Church, Lake Crystal. Funeral Service will be held at 11 a.m., on Tuesday, April 15, 2025 at Zion Lutheran Church, with visitation continuing one hour prior to the service. Inurnment will be held at a later date in Steele Center Cemetery, Somerset Township. Livestream of the service will be available at www.mankatomortuary.com.

Judi Mae Ahlborn (Hughes) Thiesse, born on October 11, 1944, to Clarence and Ruth (Carter) Ahlborn, passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of love, kindness, and joy that will be cherished forever. She was baptized and confirmed at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Owatonna, MN, and grew up on Turtle Creek Farm. As a young girl, Judi immersed herself in 4-H, proudly showing cattle at the Steele County Fair, other nearby county fairs and the Minnesota State Fair. Judi graduated from Waseca Ag School in 1962, where she became Homecoming Queen, creating lifelong friendships that she would treasure for the rest of her life.

After high school, Judi pursued modeling, earning a certificate at Estelle Compton Modeling School in Minneapolis, MN. It was in Mankato that she found love, meeting her future husband, James Edward Hughes, while dancing at The Kato Ballroom. They were married on March 2, 1963, and were blessed with five wonderful children: Lisa, Sean, Lance, Shannon, and Launa. Though their marriage ended after 17 years, Judi always spoke fondly of the years they spent together raising their children, and she held dear the many memories of those times.

In 1982, Judi married Kent Vernon Thiesse. She embraced her new role as a mother to his two children, Jason and Amanda, whom she loved as her own. Their marriage spanned 25 years, filled with both challenges and joy, and after their divorce, Judi continued to hold fond memories of their time together and maintained a special bond with her bonus children.

Later in life, Judi reconnected with Rick Buringa, a love rekindled from her youth. Together, they embraced each moment with open hearts before Judi’s passing.

Judi’s home was always open to anyone in need, and she maintained strong relationships with both of her ex-husbands' families. Her welcoming spirit extended to everyone she met, and her love knew no bounds. She had a remarkable ability to make people feel at home, whether they were her own children, grandchildren, extended family, or even the “stray kids” that her family brought home over the years.

Among Judi’s many passions, her Santa collection—comprising over 400 unique pieces—was especially dear to her. Judi found great joy in decorating her home for every holiday. She loved crafting, dancing, gardening, showing Guernsey cattle, riding horses with her sisters and friends, and supporting her children and grandchildren in their 4-H projects and sporting events. Judi was active in the Lake Crystal Area Chamber of Commerce, on the board of GRACE thrift store, and a member of the Lioness, Red Hat Club, and MNO (Mother’s Night Out) Extension.

Judi was a loving and supportive "mom" to several exchange students, sharing her home and heart with them. She also enjoyed Wednesday coffee dates with her girlfriends and spent countless hours surrounded by the love and laughter of those closest to her. “Keep your girlfriends/Don’t lose your girlfriends” is advice she was often heard sharing.

Judi is survived by her children and their families, Lisa Barden (Brian Walton) their children, Justine Hughes (Colin Brower) and Justine’s son, Layken Harroun, Zac (Mandy) Nash and their children, Xander Nash, Rori Nash, and Kiara Nash, and Cole Barden (Emma Kiger); Sean (Tami) Hughes and their daughter, Nichole Herr; Lance Hughes ; Shannon (Chad) Sorenson and their children, Alexandria (Zach) Munce and their children, Nora Munce, Emmy Munce, and Vaeda Munce, Cortnee (Zack) Karpinsky and their children, Lilly Karpinsky, and Ronan Karpinsky, and Samantha Sorenson; Launa Victoria (Jason Helder) and their children, Lydia (Kaleb Braun-Schulz) Helder and Myra Helder; Jason (Norma) Thiesse and their children, Natali Thiesse, Colin Thiesse, Danny Flores-Ibarra, Abby Flores-Ibarra, and Jen Dong; Amanda (Josh) Revier and their children, Drew Revier and Gabi Revier; sisters, Phyllis Hiatt, and Carol Sue Ahlborn, along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends who were like family. She is also survived by her significant other, Rick Buringa.

Judi was preceded in death by her father and mother, Clarence and Ruth Ahlborn; beloved “Gpa” Gust Reichstetter and her Godson, Todd Ramer.

Judi’s passing leaves a hole in the hearts of all who knew her, but her love, kindness, and infectious joy will live on in the countless memories she created with her family and friends. She will be deeply missed but forever remembered with love.

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