Judy Hed retires from Bethany after 39 years

Photo by David Norris

BY AMBER MURRY • BETHANY SENIOR ENGLISH MAJOR

The 2020 Fall Semester marked the end of 39 years of faithful service from Judy Hed, who retired on September 15, 2020. “Grandma Judy,” as she is affectionately known on campus, has often been credited with the ability to make Bethany feel like home through her wonderful desserts in the school cafeteria.

When Hed and her husband first came to the Mankato area for her husband’s job, she didn’t want to stay.

“I was very sad about coming here because I didn’t know anybody, and all my children were in college in Wisconsin. I was having a very hard time.”

In an effort to persuade her, Hed’s husband made a bet with her that, if she found a part-time job in Mankato, she would decide to stay. If she didn’t, her husband promised that she could return to Wisconsin and he would commute to work.

“I lost that bet,” said Hed with a laugh. Despite an initially negative impression of the outdated kitchen, Hed’s mind was quickly changed when she began to meet the people of Bethany.

“I stayed one week, and the people were so wonderful. I thought, ‘Maybe I’ll just stay for one more week.’”

In this way, “one week” quickly turned into 39 years of delicious desserts, special moments, and enduring friendships.

Hed is retiring to Wisconsin, where all of her family members live within a 40-minute drive. She looks forward to spending more time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

“Maybe I’ll work at my great-grandson’s cafeteria for a few years,” she joked.