Funeral services were held for Judy Malone age 68 of New York Mills, on Friday, August 20, 2021, at the Karvonen Funeral Home in Wadena, with Pastor Larry Bessler officiating. Special music was provided by Jim Ackerson and Mona LaValley. The pallbearers were all of Judy’s grandchildren. Judy was laid to rest in Woodland Cemetery, New York Mills. 

Judy Ann Halvorson was born on November 1, 1952, in Brainerd, Minn. Her parents were the late Milo and Dorothy (Hedlund) Halvorson. Judy graduated from the Crookston High School with the class of 1971. On April 29, 1972, Judy was united in marriage with Michael Stephen Malone at Trinity Lutheran Church in Crookston, Minnesota. Their marriage was blessed with 5 children: Shawn, Gwen, Becky, Cindy and Nathan. 

Judy and Mike made their home in Detroit Lakes and then moved to Wadena. Since 1975, the Malone Family has made their home in New York Mills where they enjoyed farming together. In 1996, Judy and Mike began working with Lakes Hearth & Home in Perham. On October 1, 1998, they purchased the company and moved it to New York Mills.   

Judy was a loving and devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. In her younger years she enjoyed crafting and helping her five beautiful children with 4-H projects. Judy’s love for her grandchildren was undeniable. She just adored spending time with them, being their number one fan and bringing her delicious hot chocolate to all their sporting events, attending concerts, and countless hours of babysitting. Judy was the best cook and loved making meals for her family and friends. 

Being a Godly example to all those that came into her life, she was greatly devoted to being a worship leader and church secretary for many years. Many enjoyed her piano playing and hearing her sing during praise and worship. Even when she would giggle over a missed verse or word. After her years of being a farmer’s wife, head hay baler and homemaker she transitioned into being a business partner to Mike doing all the secretarial work for Lakes Hearth and Home for the last 25 years. 

In more recent years Judy and Mike enjoyed traveling visiting places like Crater Lake and the west coast but also enjoying the fall in Duluth. These last six months spent in the Twin Cities, Judy and Mike took many wonderful and fun filled adventures. Many weekends were filled with their children and grandchildren visiting. Just four days before the Lord called Judy home, her and Mike took their last adventure together, on a River Boat ride. Judy and Mike spent precious moments together making lasting memories for Mike to carry on in his heart. 

Judy had a servant’s heart; while in the Twin Cities and receiving her Leukemia treatment she got to know and love her Care Team at the U of M Fairview Infusion Center. Judy and Mike made friends everywhere they went being an encouragement and light, sharing Jesus to all those working and being treated at the Infusion Center. 

Judy was strong and faithful throughout her life and battle with Leukemia. She believed in miracles and God’s power in healing and His ability to fix those that are broken and lost. She prayed ferociously for all those that need healing and for all her family daily. She will always be loved and remembered for the support and never-ending love for all of us.  

On August 16, 2021, Judy passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family at the University of Minnesota Medical Center in Minneapolis, Minn., at 68 years of age. She will be dearly missed by her family and friends. Preceding Judy in death were her parents, Milo and Dorothy Halvorson and stillborn grandson, Trevor Malone. 

Judy is survived by her loving husband of 49 years, Michael Malone; children: Shawn (Monica) Malone, Gwendolyn (Darin) Tumberg, Rebecca (Kenny) Leverson, Cynthia (Eric) Lien and Nathan (Trish) Malone; 17 grandchildren: Corey, Aaron, Rachel, Anthony, Michaella, Parker, Hunter, Kylar, Addison, Damon, Cole, Mackinzie, Kaitlyn, Viola, Brennan, Esne and Esta; 2 great-grandchildren: Claribelle and Amelia;  siblings: Ron (Carol) Halvorson; Nancy (Roger) Plasterer; Brenda (Steve) Tilleraas; Guy (Debi) Halvorson; many other relatives and a host of friends. 

Please visit karvonenfuneralhome.com to leave a message of comfort and support for Judy’s family. 

Arrangements were provided by the Karvonen Funeral & Cremation Service.