Judy Gort

Judith Lynn (Mann) Gort, age 72, passed away on Wednesday, May 26, at her home in Willmar after a brave fight against ALS.

A celebration of Judy’s life will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, June 19, at Vinje Lutheran Church in Willmar.  A private family graveside service will be held at Fairview Cemetery in Willmar.  In lieu of flowers, memorials to the ALS Foundation or Vinje Lutheran Church are preferred.  Arrangements are with Peterson Brothers Funeral Home.  www.petersonbrothers.com

Judy was born on June 26, 1948 in Luverne, MN, the daughter of George and Gladys (Salzman) Mann. She grew up in Luverne and was baptized and confirmed at St. John’s Lutheran Church. She graduated from Luverne High School in 1966 and went on to attend Worthington Community College in Worthington and Winona State University in Winona, graduating in 1970.

Judy met David Gort in Willmar in 1972 and they were united in marriage, on a very cold night, on December 29, 1973 in Judy's hometown of Luverne. They were blessed with two daughters, Sara (1977) and Molly (1979).   She taught elementary school in Clara City, MN from 1971-1979 and later went on to become an educator in the Willmar Public Schools until her retirement in 2015. She also worked part-time at Willmar Surgery Center. The family attended Vinje Lutheran Church where she taught Sunday School and served on Church Council and various committees through the years.

Judy will be remembered by many as a great listener who was a dependable sister, friend & colleague.  She was also a loving wife and mother who always put her family first.  Her own hobbies and interests included baking, cooking, walking, coffee with friends, going to Gopher sporting events, traveling with family, and visiting her grandson.

She is survived by her husband, Dave; two daughters, Sara Gort of Eagan and Molly Gort of Greenwich, CT.; and one grandson, AJ Bevilaqua.  Also surviving are five siblings, Gary (and Marlene) Mann of Luverne, Gail Goembel of Edina, Joyce (and Tom) Soderholm of Worthington, Jerold Mann of Luverne and JoAnne (and Wayne) Landhuis of Leota, besides other relatives and many friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; one brother in infancy, Greg Mann and a sister-in-law, Pat Mann.