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 Brethern Church in Danube and graduated from Danube High School with the Class of 1958. 
After marrying her high school sweetheart, Delton James Roelofs, at EUB on August 15, 1958, 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 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.
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 horses that began in childhood and stayed with her throughout her life. Dogs held a special place in her heart as well; 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.
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 leaves behind cherished memories that will be forever treasured by her loved ones.
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 Renville; 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 on Monday for one hour prior to the service. Both services will be live-streamed 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.
