WILLMAR — Judy Thompson, former Willmar city clerk, is used to working behind the scenes, first in the city's assessing office and then as the city clerk. However, on June 22, Thompson will be front and center as this year's Willmar Fests Grand Marshal. "I was totally shocked," when she was told of the honor Willmar Fests wanted to bestow on her, Thompson said.
Thompson will be recognized as grand marshal during the Grande Day Parade on June 22. The parade begins at 10:30 a.m.
Saturday, with Thompson taking part in a special ride. "I am very honored," Thompson said. Thompson has called west central Minnesota home for most of her life, having grown up between Raymond and Clara City.
She has lived in Spicer with her husband for 43 years, having lived for a only short while in Minneapolis. Life just had a way of keeping Thompson close to home, something she doesn't regret. "It is so beautiful and relaxing," Thompson said.
"The non-hustle and bustle." Her working career in Willmar began at what is now Bremer Bank, before she took a job as an appraiser with the city of Willmar's assessing department. When Kandiyohi County took over the assessing duties and longtime city clerk Kevin Halliday retired, Thompson took over.
She served as the city clerk from 2016 until she retired in January 2024 . All totaled, she worked for the city for 35 years and two months. "I like to help people," Thompson said.
As city clerk, Thompson represented the city on several community boards and commit.