Judith Robinson Jeremiassen

Judith R. “Judi” Jeremiassen, formerly of Winona, Minnesota and Palm Desert, California, passed away peacefully on January 4, 2026, in Thousand Oaks, California, at the age of 83. She will be remembered for her boundless energy, competitive spirit, and deep devotion to the people she loved. Friends knew Judi as someone who brought enthusiasm and energy wherever she went, and she had a gift for turning everyday moments into lively and memorable gatherings.

Judi was born February 12, 1942, in Minneapolis to Douglas B. and Ruth R. Robinson. She graduated from Shattuck–St. Mary’s School in Faribault, Minnesota in 1960 and later earned her degree from the University of Minnesota.

On June 28, 1969, she married John L. Jeremiassen in Winona, where they built their life together and raised their two sons, Rob and Tom. Winona remained home for more than 30 years and was the place where many of Judi’s closest friendships and family memories were formed.

Judi’s primary career was in education, where she served as both a teacher and a principal. She cared deeply about helping young people grow and took pride in creating positive environments for learning. Throughout her life she also pursued a number of entrepreneurial and creative interests, including owning and operating a nursery in Winona and later planning corporate events that took her to destinations around the world.

Above all, Judi loved being involved in the lives of her family. She rarely sat on the sidelines. Whether attending her sons’ sporting events, organizing gatherings, or hosting friends, she had a way of making events feel special. Her grandchildren brought her tremendous joy, and being “Nana” to Jackson, Dillon, William, Lucy, and Douglas was one of the roles she cherished most.

Judi also had a lifelong love of competition and games. Golf and tennis were favorite pastimes, and she spent many years as a member of the Winona Country Club, where she once earned the title of women’s club golf champion. At home, family and friends knew that even a casual evening could turn into spirited competition—whether playing gin rummy, tile rummy, or cribbage. Judi approached games the same way she approached life: with enthusiasm, laughter, and a strong competitive streak.

Her faith was another steady presence in her life. While living in Winona she was a devoted member of Faith Assembly of God and valued the friendships and community she found through her church.

Judi is survived by her sons and daughters-in-law, John (Rob) Jeremiassen and his wife Joy, and Thomas Jeremiassen and his wife Tracey; her grandchildren Jackson, Dillon, William, Lucy, and Douglas Jeremiassen; her sisters Linda Graham and Anne Robinson; her brothers and sisters-in-law Douglas Burr Robinson, Jr. (Terry) and Thomas Robinson (Jane); and many cousins, nieces, nephews, and extended family members whom she cherished.

A memorial service for family and friends will be held in Winona on Saturday, April 25th at 11:00 a.m. at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church (265 Lafayette St.).

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Robinson Healing Garden at Winona Health (winonahealth.org/about/foundation).