Judith “Judy” Qualey passed peacefully with her children by her side January 19, 2023 at the Care Center in Thief River Falls, MN. Judy was born April 29, 1943 in Lake Crystal, MN to Alden and Justine (Gilbertson) Nelson On June 15, 1963 she married Sheldon Qualey to which three children were born: Jan, Eric and Jodi.
The main part of their family life was spent in Gilbert, MN where Judy was a home health aide. She found her calling as one of the all time great bartenders at the Gilbert bar.
In February of 1988 she married Sonny (Arther) Stephen and they made their home in Hackensack, MN. She continued her career as a bartender at the Docksider in Longview, MN.
Judy spent her spare time crocheting, knitting, baking, and singing. She would have a song for any occasion. She adored her 14 grandchildren and all of her great grandchildren.
Judy was proceeded in death by her parents, Alden and Justine; brothers, Gerald and Vernon Nelson; and daughter, Jan Stenvik.
She is survived by Children Eric Qualey (special friend Connie) of Middle River, and Jodi (Jalmer) Bernu of Badger; sisters-in-law, Verone Nelson of Lake Crystal, MN, and Janet (Mark) Kujava of Middle River, MN; grandchildren Christopher Johnson (Racheal Pierce) of Eveleth, MN, Joseph (Allison) Thompson of Grand Rapids, MN, Kayla (Andrew) Landin of Warroad, Lisa Qualey and Sheldon Qualey of Roseau, Natasha (Jeff) Benton of Lebanon, Tennessee, Clint (Brianna) Bernu of Kenly, North Carolina, and Matthew (Brittanie Jones) Badger; and 17 Great Grandchildren.
Through marriage Judy has 8 bonus Grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren.
A Celebration of Judy’s life will be held March 11 at The Wheel in Middle River, MN from 1.00 pm to 4:00 pm.
Funeral service will be held April 29, 2023 in Lake Crystal, MN,
