Judy Baird Borgerding

Judy Baird Borgerding, age 79 of St. Cloud, passed away October 10, 2021.
A Celebration of Life for Judy will be held on June 18th at 11:00 AM at the United Methodist Church in Grey Eagle, MN. Friends may call and visit beginning at 10:30 AM. Please join us for a luncheon which will be held at the church following the service. A private family inurnment will be at a later date.
Judy was born February 8, 1942 to John and Elma (Koski) Baird of Grey Eagle, MN. She was raised on a farm and graduated from high school in 1960. She left the area to attend college at Westmar in Le Mars, IA. Judy enjoyed playing the saxophone and continued that in the college band. After 2 years there, she transferred to St. Cloud State in St. Cloud, MN finishing her degree in elementary education in 1964. From 1964-1979, Judy taught in elementary schools in Hutchinson and Hastings, MN. She led the single life, traveled, and played volleyball.
Marriage to Mark Borgerding on February 24, 1979 brought Judy back to Grey Eagle. She was again on a dairy farm. She took on the job of “keeper of the calves.” She also fed family deer hunters and wood makers. Her love of teaching found her substituting at local schools and working at Bow Bear, an after school program. Judy had been very active as a teenager in the United Methodist Church in Grey Eagle and resumed a high level of participation once she moved back. Her talents found her in many leadership roles. Judy was widowed in 2002 but remained on the farm until 2012 when she moved to St, Cloud to be near family. She continued her many church activities at the Sartell site. That gave her great joy until the very end of her life.
Judy faced health challenges later in life including breast cancer, complications of Parkinson’s, Lewy body dementia, and cause of death – heart failure. Her final homes were Country Manor assisted living and nursing care in Sartell for 18 months and Melrose Hospice Care for 2 weeks. Thank you to both. A very special thank you goes to Tisha Baird, Judy’s niece. She was a loving, compassionate, frequent visitor. Indeed, a guardian angel on earth.
Judy is survived by siblings Jeff Baird of St. Cloud and by Joy Lucius (Dan) of Lakeville. Her nephews, Brant, Kyle, Jeremy, and Evan and her nieces Tisha, Brigette and Lindsey also survive. Grandnephew Trent Baird and grandnieces Ariel, Layla and Ella Baird will also miss her. Many Borgerding family members will remember her, too.
Judy was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and sisters-in-law Pat Baird and Lenore Ohnstad and brother-in-law Butch Borgerding.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the United Methodist Churches of Grey Eagle and Sartell. Also, consider Parkinson’s.
Judy has gone to her eternal life with the Lord.