Judith "Judy" Banitt

Judith Marie Banitt, 78, passed away in the early morning hours of July 30, 2019. Judy was born on July 6, 1941, to Paul and Louise Gustafson of rural Ellsworth, Wisconsin. She spent her childhood on the family farm in Pierce County, Wisconsin. Her education began at Alleho School, a one room country school; following that she attended and graduated from Ellsworth High School.  She married Eugene Wilson and had three daughters during that marriage; they lived in Red Wing and were later divorced. She married Howard Banitt on September 28, 1974. Judy and Howie lived in the Cannon Falls area throughout their marriage, and Judy continued to reside there following Howie’s death in 2009, until she moved to Red Wing in the fall of 2015.

Judy enjoyed working around people and made a difference wherever she worked. She worked as the produce manager at the Corner Red Owl in Red Wing, and she later managed produce at Bruce’s Red Owl in Cannon Falls. She next did home health care for a number of years and was treasured by the families with whom she worked. She was active in the Urland Lutheran Church, helping with meals and flowers. She enjoyed life and had an infectious sense of humor,  and she spread that joy and humor among the people with whom she crossed paths. She was known as a generous, fun-loving person and a best friend to many.  She enjoyed gardening, garage sales, cooking, and spending time with family & friends. Her cats had a very special place in her life; she loved them all!

Judy is survived by two daughters, Roxanne Bartell and Rita Vangsness, both of Red Wing; step-daughter Elke Banitt of Ellsworth, WI: two stepsons Alan Banitt (Kirsten) of Cannon Falls, & Scott Banitt of Beldenville, WI;   granddaughters Emma Siewert  and Sofie Kiesow (Barry) both of Red Wing; several great-grandchildren; and a sister, Dorothy Eckblad, of Red Wing. She was preceded in death by her parents; an infant daughter, Tracy Wilson; and her husband, Howard Banitt.

A celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, September 28, at 2:00 pm, at Urland Lutheran Church, 6940 Co. 9 Blvd, Cannon Falls, MN 55009. There will be a visitation at the church from 1-2:00 pm, also on Saturday, Sept. 28th. Interment will be in the Urland Cemetery. Memorials are preferred in lieu of flowers. Lundberg Funeral Home of Cannon Falls is assisting the family.