Scandinavia deputy clerk shows no signs of slowing down

By Holly Neumann

Judy Watson was recognized for her 50 years of service to Scandinavia as the village’s deputy clerk/treasurer.

The Scandinavia Village Board recognized her at its April 12 meeting.

Watson started her job March 24, 1972.

“Clarence Trinrud had passed away, so the village needed someone immediately,” she said.

Her husband Doug, who was a trustee at the time, suggested that Judy fill the position temporarily.

“When we moved here, I had planned on being a stay at home mom,” Watson said. “I had no intention of going back to work, but I took the position until they could get someone to fill it. And here I am, 50 years later.”

She said she has enjoyed all 50 of those years. Her favorite part of the job was the legal research she had to do from time to time.

“And, of course, getting to know everyone in the community,” she said. “Scandinavia always seemed like one big family. Everyone always seemed to care. If you want to know what I enjoyed the least it was writing the minutes. I hated doing that.”

The biggest change Watson has seen over the years is elections.

“When I first started there wasn’t voter registration for the smaller municipalities,” she said. “It has become so much more complicated and there is so much scrutiny over the elections.”

Keeping young

The job has helped keep Watson young, she said.

“We stayed home because of covid,” she said. “We did not even see much of our family. Being able to do my duties as deputy clerk/treasurer at home was a salvation. I could not imagine not having that. I like to keep busy.”

Village Clerk Renee Smith has the utmost respect for Watson.

“Judy knows everything,” she said. “She knows where every sheet of paper she has saved is. Her memory absolutely amazes me. Her brain is an encyclopedia for the village.”

Watson’s knowledge is priceless, according to Smith.

“The Village of Scandinavia residents do not realize how fortunate they have been to have a clerk like Judy,” she said. “Her dedication to this village for the last 50 years is nothing less than commendable.”

Watson has lived in Scandinavia since 1967, where she and her husband raised their daughters Beth, Deb, Kathy, Sandy and Penny. They have 11 grandchildren and five – soon to be six – great-grandchildren.

She plans on continuing in her position as long as she is able.

“Scandinavia is important to me,” she said. “If I had to do it over again, I would do the same thing.”