Judith D. Fenske

Judith Diane Fenske was born on July 2, 1944, to Peter and Hazel (Horning) Kuyper in Albert Lea, Minnesota. She grew up in Blue Earth, Minnesota where she graduated with the class of 1962. She furthered her education at Augustana College in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, where she studied elementary education and religion. On August 5, 1962, Judy was united in marriage to David Fenske at the First Presbyterian Church in Blue Earth. The couple lived various places until settling in Blue Earth in 1970, where they raised their three daughters. As the girls became older, Judy began working for the Blue Earth Post newspaper, selling advertising. In 1986, they moved to Rapid City, South Dakota. Here Judy obtained her real estate license and sold real estate for the next 25 years. Following retirement, the couple moved to Luverne, Minnesota, in 2013. David preceded her in death on April 4, 2014. Judy moved into a town home and remained active in volunteering, socializing and growing as her own person. On Saturday, April 27, 2024, Judy died peacefully surrounded by her three daughters at the Tuff Memorial Home in Hills at the age of 79 years, nine months and 25 days.

Judy attended Grace Lutheran Church in Luverne where she was active in bible study and circle. She was a member of PEO and a board member of LIFT (Luverne Initiatives for Tomorrow). Judy valued community service and volunteered many hours at Generations and the Luverne Hospice Cottage. She enjoyed painting, shopping and coffee dates with friends. She loved to laugh, gather together with others, and have a good time. She had a beautiful smile. She will be remembered for her sense of humor and April Fools’ Day pranks. Judy loved her family as they brought so much happiness to her life.

Judy is lovingly survived by her three daughters, Christina (Kevin) Kaiser of St. Paul, Minnesota, Catherine (Lee) Westphal of Hills, and Corissa Fenske of Sioux Falls, South Dakota; six grandchildren, Sarah Kaiser, Laura Dholsgraf, Ben Kaiser, Joanna Stroeh, McKenna Chicoine and Jessica Armstrong; three great-grandchildren, Brecken, Jameson and Hudson; and other family. She was preceded in death by her husband, David; parents; and a brother, Ronald Kuyper.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Tuff Memorial Home – Chapel renovation project.