Jodell "Jody" Kay Vigness, of Grand Forks, ND, formerly of Thief River Falls, MN, passed away on Friday, January 20, 2023 at Altru Hospital in Grand Forks, ND, at the age of 64.

A visitation will take place from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM on Friday, January 27, 2023, at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Thief River Falls.

A Memorial Service will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday, January 28, 2023, at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Thief River Falls, MN, with Rev. Stephanie White officiating.

Private family burial will take place at a later date.

Jody was born on October 28, 1958 to Fred and Milly (Schwahn) Dallmann in Redwood Falls, MN. She was baptized at St. Matthew's Lutheran Church in Wabasso, MN. In 1967, the family moved to Thief River Falls, MN. There she attended Mark Twain Elementary, Franklin Junior High, and Lincoln High School, graduating in 1976. She then attended St. Cloud State University and Bemidji State University, graduating in 1980 with a degree in Education. Jody married Jim Vigness on April 1, 1989 at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Thief River Falls.

Jody began her career teaching in the Thief River Falls school district. Her love of caring for people guided her to a job as the Director of Hanson's Boarding home in 1984. The residents that she cared for became very special to her and were considered part of her family. She commuted from Grand Forks to Thief River Falls every day to be with them, many times staying overnight when the weather was bad. She was with her residents for 25 years and then started a job with the Anne Carlsen Center in Grand Forks in 2012 as an Operations Manager. Her many years of experience made a strong contribution to the growth of Anne Carlsen's Community Based Services in Grand Forks and across the state.  She then became the Senior Director of Community Based Services, and a member of its Executive and Senior Leadership Teams. Jody took well-deserved pride in her work there before retiring in June of 2022 after 10 years of service. In 2017, Jody was presented with the Grand Forks/East Grand Forks Chamber Ambassador of the Year Award. She was involved in several organizations, including the Sertoma Club, Grand Forks Chamber of Commerce, and Special Olympics.

A big part of her life was the swimming pool. She taught swimming lessons for many years, and was a lifeguard where she met the love of her life, Jim. Jody was a record setting diver for the boys' swim team until a girls' team was formed. She was a diving coach and member of the synchronized swimming team. She loved to cook and bake, especially if it was for a crowd. She enjoyed her time in a bowling league, volunteering, puzzles, and collecting Betty Boop memorabilia and vintage purses. After she met Jim, she took on a love for his interests too, including movies, music and Jerry Lee Lewis. They loved their many trips, particularly those to Las Vegas for Viva Las Vegas Rockabilly. Jody's main passion was caring for others. She will be missed greatly after touching so many lives with her generosity, compassion, advocacy and kindness.

Jody is survived by her brothers: Randy (Mireille) Dallmann, Doug (Pam) Dallmann, and sister Robyn (Mark) Isaacson. Brothers-in-law: Jon Vigness, Dan (Deb) Vigness, and Dave (Patti) Vigness; nieces and nephews: Adam (Cindy) Dallmann and children Keaton, Karter and Korbin; Allison Kangas and children Cooper and Charlie; Dana (Chelsey) Dallmann and daughter Ellie; Tracy (Jason) Dallmann and son, Ayden; Ian (Katie) Isaacson; Abby (Aaron) Cling and children, Vivian, Emmett and Millie; Olivia (Mike) Brooks; Julie (Jon) Bouche and daughter Victoria; Jamie Vigness, and children, Jordan and Ben; Bryana (Fiance' Dallas) Vigness; Kim (Scott) Bassette; Brian (Tiff) Hoyhtya; and Adam Schiller and children, Addie, Ari and Aiden; many cousins, aunts, and uncles. A special thank you to her caregiver, Tammy Gibbs and family.

Jody was preceded in death by her husband, Jim, and parents, Fred and Milly Dallmann.

In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to Anne Carlsen Center, Grand Forks, ND.

https://annecarlsen.org/donate/