Judy M. Gernander

Judy M. Gernander, 74, of Houston County, formerly of Winona, MN, died on Sunday, April 3, 2016. Born October 17, 1941 in Mankato, Minnesota to Ervin ("Fred") and Lila Busse Manthei.

Judy attended Mankato State University and graduated second in her class. Judy obtained her Juris Doctorate from The University of Minnesota Law School. She was on Law Review and graduated Order of the Coif.

Judy was a professor at Winona State University for 40 years, retiring in 2010. She also practiced law in Winona and Houston Counties, and was an assistant Public Defender for Winona County.

Judy was a talented artist, loved animals, and made a legendary fruit cake. She enjoyed a variety of things including reading, Clint Eastwood movies, music, and Marilyn Monroe. Judy owned and operated an antique business in Fountain City, WI.

Judy was a strong character, fiercely independent, known to not suffer fools, and was an avid fighter for the underdog. Judy's married life was an example of enthusiasm over experience, as she had been thrice married.

Judy was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Donald, sisters Alice and Emmy, and her second husband Derrell B. White. Judy is survived by her three children, Leah Prochnow, Denver, CO, Bart (Bridget) Gernander, Minneapolis, MN, and Rachel Gernander, Minneapolis, MN; three grandchildren, Jordan, Ella & Charles ("Charlie"); and friends and her beloved animals.

Private services will be held. A Memorial Gathering for family and friends will be held in Winona on Tuesday, April 12, 2016 from 4-6:00pm at Hoff Funeral & Cremation Services, 3480 Service Drive, Winona, MN. Please join the family in celebrating Judy's life and sharing a farewell toast. Interment will be in Decoria Cemetery, Good Thunder, MN.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to the Winona Area Humane Society and will cheerfully accept hotdish.