John Hudson, PhD 10/17/2025

John was born in Wabasha Minnesota on July 24, 1942, to Margaret J. and Donald E. Hudson. He spent his earliest years in Wabasha, his family then moved to Rochester, Minnesota.  As a young boy John rambled the streams and meadows enjoying the outdoors.  John had a lifelong curiosity about the natural world.

His early education took place in parochial and public schools. He attended Lourdes High School through his Sophomore year. His family moved to West Saint Paul, Minnesota where John finished High School at Sibley in 1960. He graduated top of his class. He entered the University of Minnesota – Institute of Technology where he earned a Bachelor of Chemistry. Next was graduate school at the University of Minnesota in Zoology for his PhD.  His emphasis of study was limnology, the study of lakes.

John met his wife Sandra while teaching at UW-River Falls. They married on June 20, 1981, and loved each other dearly for forty-four years.

John’s academic career was at UW-River Falls. Arriving as a newly minted PhD in 1968 he thought he’d try teaching here.  He quipped that “I liked them, and they liked me, so I decided to stay.”  Thirty-one years later John retired in the spring of 1999 as Professor Emeritus. A career that included a stint as Department Chair and much work on faculty committees.  John loved teaching and it showed in the successes of his many students in everything from the medical fields to resource management.

Hobbies included raising and training English Setters, breeding the occasional foal from one of his thoroughbred mares.  He enjoyed hunting grouse and woodcock over his English Setters.  As a young man he loved fly fishing and was active in the Ki-Ap-Tu-Wish chapter of Trout Unlimited. He spent many happy hours tinkering with his classic Apple computers.  John was an active member of the Minnesota English Setter Club and the English Setter Club of America.

Survivors include: wife, Sandra (née Manosky); niece, Lori Kaiser; brother-in-law, Dennis Kaiser; brother, Thomas and wife Barbara and their children Mary (Deiter), Stephanie (Greg), and Joseph (Amy). Numerous grand nieces and nephews. His beloved English Setters, Liam, Major and JJ and his Paint horse Zip.

John was preceded in death by his parents Donald E. and Margaret J. Hudson; and sister-in-law, Linda Kaiser.

His family would like to express heartfelt gratitude to his Hospice team, especially Jen, Dana, Emily, Richard and Katie and the entire organization of ADORAY Home Health and Hospice.  Thanks are also extended to the world-famous Mayo Clinic and the ALS Association.

The skill, compassion and support we received was without peer.

Family requests that memorials be made in John’s name to these organizations, ADORAY Home Health and Hospice 990 Main Street, Baldwin, WI 54002, or the ALS Association P.O. Box 37022 Boone, IA 50037, or the Mayo Clinic Neurology Department

Mass of Christian Burial was held on Thursday, October 30, 2025 at 11:00 am at Saint Bridget Catholic Church, 211 East Division Street, River Falls, Wisconsin. Visitation was also held Thursday, October 30, 2025 from 10:00 am to 11:00 am at the church. Interment will be in Saint Bridget Catholic cemetery at a later date.

Arrangements are with Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation services.

Click here to watch the recording of John’s service