Obituary: Judith G. Skelton

Judith G. Skelton, 81, of Esko, passed away Monday, Oct. 14, 2024, at Essentia Health-St. Mary's Medical Center in Duluth. She was born Sept. 27, 1943, in Duluth, the daughter of Walter and Ilta (Ketola) Forstie.

Judy graduated from Esko High School in 1961. She married Roger Skelton Oct. 14, 1961.

She later attended the College of St. Scholastica as a nontraditional student. She had a long career at St. Scholastica as a grant reporting specialist, retiring in 2015.

Judy was an avid Vikings football fan, enjoyed watching golf and the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. There was also time on Big Sandy Lake, spending time with family and friends.

Judy loved cats, dogs, birds, and nature.

She was a woman who truly embodied the spirit of Sisu.

Judy was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Roger Skelton; and son, Lee Skelton. She is survived by a daughter, Lori (Rick) Tondryk; two brothers, Dwight (Becky) Forstie and Mitchell (Ellie) Forstie; one sister, Susan (Stuart) Morrison; grandchildren, Katie (Josh), Andrew, Emily (Dan), Alyssa, and Haylee; great-grandchildren, Jayden, Stella, Charlie, and Carolyn and several others; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life for Judy will be held 1-3 p.m. Monday, Oct. 21 at Nelson Funeral Care in Cloquet, with refreshments in the fellowship room. Inurnment will follow at Apostolic Lutheran Cemetery in Esko.