Jodi Lyn Austin

Age 56 of Albertville

Cherished Mother, Daughter, Sister, & Aunt

Jodi passed away peacefully at Mercy hospital, surrounded by her loving family, on September 10, 2024. She was born in Des Moines, Iowa, raised in Plymouth, MN, and resided in Albertville, MN at the time of her passing. Her greatest pride and joy in life were her two children: Madeline (17) and Hayden (16), along with their beloved black cat, Max.

Affectionately known as “Chatty Kathy,” Jodi often spent hours talking on the phone with friends and family. Not only was she the most outgoing person, she was also one of the most beautiful, inside and out. Her physical beauty was undeniable, but her spirit and essence radiated even more. Her breathtaking smile and big, joyful laugh could light up any room she entered. She had the most striking dark brown eyes, thick, shiny dark hair, and a love for the sun, often making her the tannest person in the room.

Jodi had a naturally positive outlook on life and rarely complained, a quality she carried throughout her entire life. She had a knack for finding humor in almost any situation, and her favorite playful phrase, always delivered with a giggle, was “Ya goof”. She had the most loving heart and treated everyone with incredible kindness and generosity. Jodi’s beautiful spirit naturally drew people in, and she had a unique gift for making new friends wherever she went, even in line at the grocery store. She also maintained rare, lifelong friendships with many of her childhood friends. Jodi had a remarkable ability to make everyone feel important and special. To know her was to love her.

A vibrant personality and wide range of interests perfectly reflected her passion for life. She was an exceptional cook, preparing meals daily and always experimenting with new recipes. She had a deep love for flowers—whether planting them, arranging them, or giving and receiving them, and brought her immense joy. Jodi was also a film buff and a live music enthusiast, especially classic rock, and she regularly attended both movies and concerts. She adored sunsets often capturing their beauty in photos, and was always behind the camera, eager to take photos of scenery and the people she loved, especially her beautiful children.

Holidays, particularly Christmas, were special to Jodi, and she loved decorating for each one. She had a profound love for animals of all kinds and was surrounded by many stuffed animals during her final moments as a symbol of that love. Her favorite place on earth was the family lake house on Mille Lacs Lake, where she spent countless joyful hours in the sun, boating, tubing, and jet-skiing with loved ones. Jodi also cherished her bath time, loved freshly scented lotions and candles, and enjoyed crafting with her mom, particularly color-by-number and diamond dot projects, which is something she took pride in and brought her happiness. Above all, her greatest joy was spending time with her children.

Jodi was preceded in death by her grandparents, Earl and Katherine Wigand, Clayton and Rosemary Clark, William Herried, and her beloved favorite aunt, Sharron Cosby. Jodi is survived by her children, Madeline and Hayden; parents, Richard and Marilynn Wigand; siblings, Jason Wigand, Amy Wigand, Tamara (Mark) Noyes, Jill Wigand (Jim Bebo); nieces and nephews, Maya, Etta, Clara, Luke (Samantha), Hannah, Sawyer, McCulley, Angelina; and many treasured aunts, uncles, cousins, close friends, & co-workers.

Though Jodi is no longer physically with us and will be missed immensely, her spirit will forever be present in the sunsets she loved, the flowers she nurtured, the laughter she shared, and the love she gave so freely. Her light will continue to shine in the hearts of all who knew her.

SendOff Details

Jodi’s life will be uniquely celebrated with a SendOff on Thursday, September 26, 2024, at Elm Creek Park Reserve Chalet, 12400 James Deane Pkwy, Maple Grove, MN 55369. The celebration of life will be open-house style from 4 PM to 7 PM, with a ceremony at 5:30 PM. Flowers may be sent to Elm Creek Park Reserve Chalet on the day of the service. For direct memorials, please contact SendOff at 612-236-0141 for further details.