Judith Jane Roelofs

Judith Jane Roelofs, 83, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 11, 2023, in the Halstad Living Center, Halstad, MN, with her husband, Del, by her side. Judy was born in Danube, MN on January 16, 1940, to Alfred and Lilah (Anderson) Schroeder. She was baptized and confirmed in the Evangelical United Brethren Church in Danube and graduated from Danube High School with the Class of 1958. 

After marrying her high school sweetheart, Delton James Roelofs, on August 15, 1958 at EUB Church, Judy and Del embarked on a journey together that took them to schools that Del taught in or served as school superintendent for in Belview, MN, Irene, SD, Eagle Bend, MN, and Glencoe, MN before finally settling in Crookston in 1970. Throughout their marriage, which was blessed by the births of daughter, Kari, and son, Kyle, Judy provided unwavering support to Del as she undertook her role as editor, proofreader, and typist for his master's thesis and doctoral dissertation which Del earned while spending a year in Laramie, WY working and writing it in 1974. Her meticulous attention to detail ensured that Del's work flourished under her loving care. The couple would relocate to White Bear Lake, MN in 1991 where Del was employed at the Northeast Metro Technical College. In 1996 they returned to Crookston. For several years Judy was employed as a teller at the Bremer Bank.

Judy's deep and abiding faith was evident in her involvement with every church where she called home. From childhood to the present day, she actively participated in the spiritual growth of these communities and her unwavering devotion served as an inspiration to all who knew her.

Later in life Judy's warm smile and infectious personality made her a cherished figure at their family-owned Red River Distributing Company in Crookston. As the office manager, she greeted visitors with her warm smile and a friendly demeanor.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Judy had many interests that brought joy to her life. She had a deep love for showing quarter horses that began in childhood and was passed on to Kari, who added to the blue ribbons that both mother and daughter were awarded over the years. Her pet dogs held a special place in her heart as well as they were drawn to her and could always be found by her side. Judy was an accomplished painter with a true passion for the arts. Her creative talents extended beyond canvas as she used her clever eye for design to beautify not only her own home but also eagerly assisted friends in decorating their homes for the Christmas holiday season. Her creative touch brought joy and comfort to those around her. Judy was a devoted member of Our Savior's Lutheran Church and had previously participated in Church and Bell Choirs. She enjoyed the longtime friendships of her Birthday Club members and was very active in Crookston's RiverView Hospital Auxiliary and Gift Shop. She was especially proud of learning to ski at the age of 40 and rather enjoyed a little bit of bragging about that accomplishment. 

In 2018, Judy and Del made the Heritage House in Halstad their new home. Even there, Judy continued to spread her artistic flair by adorning the hallways and public spaces near their apartment. Her dedication to making her surroundings beautiful knew no bounds. She truly had a gift for turning any space into a warm and inviting sanctuary.

Judy's passing was preceded by a brief illness, which she faced with courage and grace. She wanted her family to know how much she loved her Lord; her infinite love for each of them in special ways; and for always being there for them.

She is survived by Del, her beloved husband of 65 years; their son and daughter-in-law, Kyle and Barb Roelofs of Glyndon, MN; son-in-law, Rick Thompson of Crookston, MN; 5 grandchildren: Alexia (Brent) Bull of Bloomington, MN, Jacob Thompson (Hayden Larson) of St. Paul, MN, Zachary (Amanda) Roelofs of Niles, MI, Jared (Alicia) Roelofs of Barnesville, MN, and Hayden Roelofs (Ashley Pugh) of Park Rapids, MN; 3 great-grandchildren: Elliott Bull, and Briggs and Quinn Roelofs; 3 siblings: Donna Treichler of Renville, MN, Roger Schroeder of New London, MN, and Bonnie (Rodney) Lofquist of North Branch, MN; a sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Carol and Brad Carlson of Nisswa, MN; together with many nieces, nephews, extended family,and a large community of friends who will deeply mourn her loss. Her family is comforted knowing that the first one to welcome her to heaven was her dear daughter, Kari Sue (Roelofs) Thompson who died on May 4, 2006; and her parents, Alfred and Lilah; brother-in-law, Melvin Treichler; and parents-in-law, Ernest and Margaret Roelofs. 

Judy's infectious spirit and vibrant presence will be genuinely missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her memory will live on as a testament to the love and joy she brought into this world.

Judith Jane Roelofs life will be celebrated with a memorial service at 10:30 a.m., Monday, October 16, 2023, in Our Savior's Lutheran Church, Crookston, with The Rev. Steve Bohler, officiating. Visitation will be on Sunday from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Stenshoel-Houske Funeral with a prayer service and sharing of memories at 7. Visitation will continue at the Church Monday for one hour prior to the service. Both services will be livestreamed by going to Judy's obituary page at www.stenshoelhouske.com and clicking on the prompt to view. Messages of condolence may be extended to Del and Family on the funeral home website as well.

Memorials may be given in Judy's name to RiverView Hospital, Our Savior's Lutheran School, or the Del and Judy Roelofs Athletic Scholarship Fund at the University of Minnesota-Crookston.