Juliet “Judy” Mahr
Juliet Doris (Sollien) “Judy” Mahr of Lime Springs passed away suddenly February 22, 2021 in Northwood at the age of 94. Mass of Christian Burial for Judy was held for family and close friends Saturday, February 27 at Notre Dame Catholic Church in Cresco with Father Jacob Rouse officiating. Burial took place at Calvary Catholic Cemetery following the service.
Judy was born November 5, 1926 in Spring Grove, MN to Johannes and Dora (Auna) Sollien and raised in Quandahl where she enjoyed her work at the Highlandville Store and held numerous other jobs in the area. Judy met the love of her life, Eugene “Gene” Mahr, at Matter’s Ballroom in Decorah. They married July 21, 1947 in Dorchester.
Gene and Judy worked together every day of their married lives. Most of those years were spent farming and raising their large family of 11 children. In 1960, they found their forever home and moved to Howard County in Iowa.
As their family grew, so did their farming operation. They were so proud of their large family and loved the big family gatherings, crowded car rides, and commotion that came along with raising so many children. In their later years, they traveled extensively, making life-long memories and many friends along the way.
Judy was always quick to say hello, smile and start a conversation. She was famous for her morning coffee gatherings with homemade treats, which she hosted every day until her last. She was a wonderful cook, bookkeeper, gardener, lawn mower, farm hand and true friend to everyone she knew.
Judy knew how to host a perfect family gathering and made it look easy. She was always ready to help anyone at any time whether family, friends, community or church. She enjoyed a hug, traveling, gambling, puzzles, their horses, the farm, birds, playing cards, watching the Minnesota Twins and mowing her huge lawn, and she lived every day with a beautiful smile and a twinkle in her eye.
Everyone was welcomed into her home for a visit and a game of cards, and she would not let you leave without getting something to eat. She was a woman of faith and inspired us in so many ways. She was greatly loved and will be missed dearly by so many.
She is survived by her children, Michael (Gwen) Mahr, Beverly (Dale) Alstat, Barbara (Bill Tieskotter) Mahr, Thomas (Janet) Mahr, Neil (Janelle) Mahr, Gregory (Joyce) Mahr, Donna (Kelly) Thomas, Marlene (Pat) Ollendieck, Sharlene (Don) Hruska and Debra (Kirk) Novak; her daughter-in-law, Deby (John) Mahr; 34 grandchildren; 68 great-grandchildren, with four more great-grandchildren on the way; one great-great-grandchild; a sister-in-law, Lois (Joe) Mahr; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
She was always proud of her 34 grandchildren: Sheila (Aaron) Wemark, Eric (Lisa) Mahr, Andy (Tonya) Mahr, Tony Alstat, Bryon (Shelli) Alstat, Cody (Courtney) Alstat, Jeff (Brenda) Zahasky, Chad Zahasky, Al (Jamie) Zahasky, Scott Mahr, Bill (Angie) Mahr, Kathy Mahr, Laura (Jeremy) Miller, Sara (Brad) Riley, Shelby Mahr, Jessica (Tony) Heiden, Dan Mahr, Steve (Brooke) Mahr, Stacy (Josh) Cranston, Travis (Katie) Mahr, Kyle (Brandon) Thomas, Trevor (Sara) Thomas, Joel (Amanda) Thomas, Colter (Molly) Thomas, Alex (Stephanie) Ollendieck, Mandy (Dan) McCabe, Haylee (Mike) Williams, Sam (Brandi) Ollendieck, Shane (Nan) Hruska, Derek (Lindsi) Hruska, Bryce (Dakota) Hruska, Coyle Hruska, Truman (Angie) Novak and Savana (Mitch) Kriener.
She was preceded in death July 28, 2016 by Eugene, her husband of 69 years; her beloved son, John; her parents; her brothers, Stanley and Andrew; her sisters, Cora Malick and Martha Rude; and a grandson, Shawn Michael Mahr, in infancy.
