Judith E. Kaliher

In Loving Memory of a Reserved Soul

Judith Elizabeth (Ische) Kaliher, age 76

Judy, a woman of quiet strength and grace, bid farewell on August 12, 2023.  She was a cherished daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, friend, and confidante, leaving a legacy of warmth and gentle kindness.  Judy’s life was marked by her steadfast nature and ability to touch the lives of those around her simply and meaningfully.  Although we mourn her loss, we take solace in knowing that she is now at peace, free from pain and suffering after being diagnosed with fast-growing cancer last year.

Judith was preceded in death by her parents, Leander and Edith Ische, and brother Micheal (Sue) Ische.  She is survived by her loving husband of 53 years, Gary Kaliher; her adoring children, Kimberley (Chuck) Ische-Kaliher, Taunia (Thomas) Gorka, and Stacy (Richard) Hart; and her beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren; along with her brother Carl (Phyllis) Ische and sister Linda (Bruce) Burke.

Reflecting on Mother’s life, we are grateful for the countless memories we shared.  She was our pillar of strength, always offering us encouragement, support, and understanding as we embarked upon life.  During Mother’s life, she had many hobbies--gardening, crocheting, macrame, crafting, painting, and woodworking.  Mother was never idle as we girls grew up and was always constantly active and moving, never sitting still.  But what is most surprising about Mother is that she was an accomplished clarinetist, accordionist, singer, and talented dancer, both tap and ballet; where she demonstrated her talents in many pageant competitions, including the title of Miss Naval Air and Surface Reserve, and competed in the Coon Rapids Miss Snowflake, Miss Anoka, and the Minneapolis Aquatennial for Queen of the Lakes. 

As we say goodbye to our beloved Mother, we find comfort in her legacy.  She instilled a deep love for family amongst us girls, a solid moral compass, and a zest for life.  Her memory will forever be etched in our hearts, and we will strive to honor her by living with the same quiet grace, faith, dignity, strength, and compassion she exemplified.

Though our mother’s physical presence may be gone, her spirit will forever live on within us and those she touched.  We find solace in knowing she is now reunited with her parents and will rest in eternal peace.

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at The Church of Saint Peter, 1250 South Shore Drive, Forest Lake, Minnesota, on Friday, September 22nd at 11:00 am.  The family will greet friends and family one hour before Mass at the Church, followed by a light lunch at Rustic Roots Winery, 20168 St Croix Trail North, Scandia, Minnesota.  For those unable to attend, the Mass will be live streamed at http://www.mattsonfuneralhome.com/

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, an organization that Mother held dear to her heart.

We want to express our heartfelt gratitude to all our friends and family who have offered their support, love, and condolences during this difficult time.  Your presence and kind words have provided us immense comfort, and we are evermore grateful.

Forever remembered, forever loved,

Kimberley, Taunia, and Stacy