Margaret Jo Ann Medved

On the evening of Wednesday, August 5th, 2026 Margaret “Jody” Jo Ann Medved (Brown) passed away peacefully surrounded by family at the age of 84. Jody was diagnosed with advanced glioblastoma brain cancer in January of 2026. She lived the remainder of her life at Village Shores Memory Care in Richfield, MN with her husband, Gerald Medved.

Jody was born in Big Spring, TX on March 29, 1942 to Nadine Arminta and Lawrence Julian Brown Jr. Jody’s family moved frequently due to her father’s career in the oil industry. She lived many places in her early life, including Kimball, NE where she graduated from high school in 1960 and met her first husband and the father of her four children, Eugene Keller. Jody was an enthusiastic participant in high school. She played French horn in the band, was a cheerleader, and was voted homecoming queen by her peers.

During the early part of her marriage she lived in multiple states due to her husband’s career, ultimately landing in Rochester, MN where she spent the majority of her childrearing years. Jody was an involved mother, assisting in many of her children’s activities, including Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, and many sports activities. She enjoyed sewing outfits for herself and her children, including a fancy dress for Prom, children’s outfits, Halloween costumes, and cheerleading outfits. She was very resourceful in her many creative endeavors.

Jody went back to school following the end of her first marriage. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Social Work from the College of St. Catherine in St. Paul, MN, graduating in 1985. She then pursued a career in human services in the Rochester area. She was the Program Director at Thomas House, a halfway house serving adults with severe and persistent mental illness. She also worked at a women’s shelter, and later provided mental health outreach services. Jody considered it an honor and joy to serve others.

In 1999 Jody married her partner of 14 years, Gerald Medved, and they were married for 27 additional years. Together they resided in Rochester and enjoyed travelling together. Shortly after their marriage they carried out their dream of moving to the Coeur d’Alene, Idaho area where they built a home overlooking Lake Coeur d’Alene. They developed important friendships in the 12 years they were there.

In 2016 Jody and Jerry returned to Minnesota to be closer to family, and settled in the town of Savage, MN. There they developed a close knit and meaningful community. They were very involved with the Savage Senior Center, enjoyed socializing with their neighbors, and Jody participated in social groups, including Mahjong and a book club.

In 2025, Jody and Jerry moved to Village Shores, a senior living community in Richfield, MN where they again developed a strong community with the other residents and nearby neighbors. Jody enjoyed participating in many of the senior living activities including starting a weekly Wizard card game group with Jerry.

Jody was an avid learner with an open minded intellect and heart. She loved reading from many genres including fiction and the exploration of spiritual traditions and growth. She had an affinity for frogs and the whimsical, often expressed in her creative flower and fairy gardens. She loved to collect items from nature to incorporate into her gardens and home, especially rocks from the North Shore and other travel adventures she pursued. She never turned down a cup of coffee, a piece of chocolate, a Minnesota fish fry or an invitation to go “thrifting” with family and friends.

Jody was preceded in death by: grandmother, Margaret “Goddie” Roberts; parents, Lawrence Jr. “Wagey” and Nadine “Grammie” Brown; brother, Michael Wayne Brown; granddaughter, Carina Keller; daughter-in-law, Debra “Hortense” MacLeod; stepson, Jack Medved.

Jody is survived by: husband, Gerald “Jerry” Medved; children, Christine Broughten, Mark Keller, David Keller (Sandra “Lucia”), Margaret “Maggie” Keller (John); stepdaughter, Joy Wolney (Chad); Donna Medved (widow of late stepson Jack); nephew, Michael Sean Brown; niece, Susan Brown; grandchildren: Byron Broughten, Louis Broughten, Blue Keller, Clay Keller; step-grandchildren, Madison Medved, Morgan Brinkman (Dustin), Juana Duplat, Diana Duplat; step-great-grandchild, Amaya Brinkman; half-brother, Allen Perry (Judy); sister-in-law, Nancy Brown (Larry).

Celebration of Life to be held Monday, August 24, at the Hamline United Methodist Church, 1514 Englewood Ave., St. Paul, at 11AM with visitation one hour prior. Luncheon and memory sharing to follow services. To attend remotely, see livestream link below. Parking provided behind the church.

In lieu of gifts, please make a donation to The Katie Fund at St. Catherine University. Katie Fund gifts ensure that each year St. Catherine University is able to provide support for: Access and Success, Katie Scholarships, the Center for Intercultural Development, Student Athletics and Co-curricular programs, Student/Faculty Collaborative Research and the University's greatest needs. To make a donation go to https://ssl.charityweb.net/stkate/.