Amanda Athey

Amanda Jean Athey of Clinton, MN, and South Shore, SD, was welcomed to her eternal home on Monday, November 21, 2022.

Memorial services will be held on Sunday, December 18, 2022, at 2:00 p.m. at Trinity-Mt. Olive Evangelical Lutheran Church in Johnson, MN. A Celebration of Life, including prayer service and light meal, will be held on Saturday, December 17, beginning at 5:00 p.m. at the Memorial Building in Clinton, MN. Visitation will continue at the church on Sunday, one hour prior to the service.

Amanda was born on November 8, 1985, to Gregory and Laura (Pansch) Athey. She was the oldest of four girls and had all the characteristics of a first born, always looking for ways to help others. Amanda was the ultimate planner; no task was too big for her determined spirit. She was full of life and had so much kindness for everyone, willing to lend a hand in any circumstance. Amanda was always volunteering at the many community and church events; it was rare to go somewhere and not see her jumping in to help.

She was baptized at Mt. Olive Lutheran Church, where she was later confirmed in her faith. She served the church for many years as a Sunday School and Bible School teacher.

After graduating from Clinton-Graceville-Beardsley High School in 2004, Amanda attended the Model College of Hair Design in St. Cloud, MN. She began her career at Sonia’s Hair Clinic and Spa where she worked until the fall of 2006. Amanda purchased a building on main street in Clinton, MN. With the help of many friends and family she fully remodeled the building (in purple aesthetic of course), officially opening Amanda’s Shear Impressions in December of 2006. As a small business owner, she took pride in providing outstanding services to her clients, often working weekends and late nights to accommodate them.

Amanda had the most contagious laugh. She wasn’t just the life of the party; she was the party. She’d walk in with that bright smile, carrying along her overflowing Thirty-One Tote of games and toys for the kids. If you were lucky, she’d also have her scissors (even some hair dye) along to really liven things up.

She met her soulmate, Paul Guderian in the summer of 2020. They shared a love for the outdoors, spending time hunting, fishing and camping. Amanda and Paul enjoyed visiting with friends and family. They never turned down a chance to get away for a fun trip together.

Amanda was a proud aunt to her nieces and nephews, welcoming each addition to the family with pride and admiration as if they were her own. She loved hosting sleepovers, crafting, fishing, and much more with them.

She had the biggest heart, dedicating much of her spare time to several organizations and always making everyone feel included. She served on the American Legion Auxiliary #258, Big Stone County Cancer Support Group, Clinton Civic Club, and Clinton Commercial Club. She enjoyed spending time at CGB Elementary School for their Lunch Buddy Program and was known for staying after to play on the playground with all the children.

Amanda had a love for capturing all of life’s moments with several photos. It would seem like she had a special quote, coffee mug, and even social media hashtag for every occasion. She was notorious for sending confetti-filled cards to those she cared for, sometimes even when there was no special occasion to celebrate.

Amanda was diagnosed with an aggressive form of uterine cancer that had spread throughout her body, resulting in her suffering several debilitating strokes. Even in the darkest time, she found light and comfort in celebrating the gift of life with those who knew and loved her.

May her sudden loss be a reminder of how precious life is and to live yours to the fullest, “sprinkling kindness like confetti” wherever you go. 

Grateful to have shared Amanda’s life are her parents, Gregory and Laura Athey; her soulmate, Paul Guderian; her three sisters: Nicole (Benjamin) and their children: Zoey and Zyair Jones; Amber (Craig) and their daughters: Mareya, Marlee and Meena Doschadis; and Jennifer (Tedd) and their son, Oliver Curry. Also left to remember her are many aunts, uncles, cousins, and so many friends who she considered to be family.

Amanda is preceded in death by grandparents, Donley and Jean Pansch; Floyd and Marlys Athey; and her nephew, Lamar Athey.

“There are some who bring a light so great to the world,

that even after they are gone the light remains”

Amanda’s organ donation has the potential to give the gift of sight to two people.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for memorials in Amanda's honor be made to the Big Stone County Cancer Support Group.