Trudy Diane (Polzin) Huffer

               Trudy Diane (Polzin) Huffer, beloved wife, mother, grandma, sister, and friend passed from this world on November 27, 2025, at age 73 to the comforting arms of our Lord Jesus.  She will be remembered for her kind and compassionate heart, her quiet but friendly demeanor, and her devotion to family and friends.

Miss Trudy was born on February 15, 1952, in Grand Rapids, MN as the youngest daughter of Edward and Olive (Dippold) Polzin.  She grew up on County Road 440 west of Trout Lake and enjoyed singing, biking, tanning, water skiing, snow skiing, and hanging out with Marilyn and Dee.  Trudy graduated from Greenway High School in 1970 with singing in the choir, playing in the band, and cheerleading as her favorite activities.  She then attended the Duluth Area Vocational and Technical Institute where she received a secretarial-receptionist degree.

While growing up on 440, Trudy met Harry Huffer, a goofy but likable kid who lived half a mile down the road.  They became close friends over the years, fell in love forever, and were married in September 1971.  They were blessed with two wonderful children, Derek and Jackie (Jacqueline).  In due time, Trudy and Harry were blessed again with eight beautiful grandchildren.  Derek and his wife Melissa from Northford, CT raised Madeline, Mackenzie, and Gracie Huffer mostly in Macungie, PA.  Jackie married John Collins from Hudson, WI and they raised Erik, Kylee, Libby, Emmie, and Maggie Collins in the Hudson, Roberts area in WI.

Trudy and Harry lived in LaPrairie, MN while they raised their kids.  Once Derek and Jackie were in school, Trudy went to work full-time.  She worked in the business office at Northland Mental Health and then worked for the last twenty years of her career for Arrowhead Consultation as the business office manager.  In 1992 they built a new home back on County Road 440 in rural Bovey where Harry continues to live.

In her leisure time, Trudy loved to work in her gardens growing flowers and vegetables.  She enjoyed going to the lake and fishing.  She and Harry would head out on warm summer evenings with the boat, munching on a picnic supper and fishing for crappies, bluegills, and walleyes. Trudy also loved being in the kitchen.  She was an excellent cook and baker, and her home was always supplied with her baked goodies.  Once retired, Trudy and Harry loved heading south for the winter.  She relished combing the beaches of Alabama and Florida looking for shells.

Although Trudy was always in motion, her favorite activity was relaxing with family and friends.  She loved her grandchildren so much and loved going to their many activities whether it was athletics or enjoying crafts.  She also loved teaching them how to bake and just visiting with them.  Trudy greatly enjoyed attending the United Methodist Church and the YMCA.  The spiritual and physical workouts were great, and the camaraderie with so many fine people was truly appreciated.

Trudy was preceded in passing by her parents and sister-in-law Dee Warren.  She is survived not only by her husband Harry and children Derek and Jackie and her eight grandchildren but also by sisters Sandy and her husband Wayne Thorson of Bemidji, MN and by Jayne and her husband Bob Lindgren of Estero, FL.  She is also survived by numerous other wonderful relatives and friends that she loved dearly.

Harry and family would like to thank the kind and compassionate staff at Diamond Willow assisted living and St. Croix Hospice for their help and care for Trudy over her last few months in her struggle with Parkinson’s Disease and dementia.  They also want to thank the many thoughtful people who visited Trudy or sent cards or texts of support.

A memorial service for Trudy will be held on Friday, December 5, 2025, at the United Methodist Church of Grand Rapids.  Pastor Jim Crecelius will officiate.  A visitation at the church is planned for 10:00 a.m. with the service to follow at 11:30.  Arrangements are with Peterson Funeral Chapel of Coleraine, MN. 

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