Judith Ann Gerdts, age 78, passed away on July 3, 2022, after a long battle with Amyloidosis. She was born on February 27, 1944, in Waseca, Minnesota, to Walter and Sylvia Nelson, and was a farm girl who grew up pulling weeds in the bean fields, and being chased by chickens (which she hated). She attended grade school in a one room schoolhouse in Waseca, until the ninth grade when she transferred to Owatonna. When she was 18, she met the love of her life, Sylvan Gerdts, at the Owatonna Roller Rink. In February 1964, when he returned from the military, they married, and moved to their home in Rochester, where she has resided her entire life. She was preceded in death by her father Walter, her brother Lyle, and her sister Diane.
Judy had sparkle; to know her was to love her. She made a difference in the lives of many by providing years of endless love and daycare to little ones. Her favorite pastimes were decorating her home, and shopping, which was clearly evident from her exquisite style, always looking spectacular in her leopard print, like only she could. She loved spending time at the family cabin in Akeley, Minnesota, where her style was displayed with signs such as “Shopping with your husband is like hunting with the game warden,” and “A fisherman lives here with the best catch of his life.”
Judy knew how to be a friend for life, and treasured her long-time relationships with her group, referred to as “The Golden Girls,” Millie Ellingson, Jan Leary, and Sharon Dunford.
Judy is survived by her husband, Sylvan, her three sons, Michael (Andrea), David (Amy), and Brian (Cara), and her five grandchildren, Kaylee, Sonja, Cody, Dalton, and Janelle, all of whom she never left in question of how much she treasured and loved each of them.
Please join us in celebrating her life from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. with a short service at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, July 11, 2022 at a memorial service at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 1212 12th Avenue NW, Rochester, MN.
Rochester Cremation Services is assisting the family with arrangements. Memories and condolences of Judy may be shared at rochestercremationservicesmn.com
She was a lovely lady: always cheerful and loving. So happy to have known her. She blessed our life with a wonderful son in law and grandson. Daughter Amy loved her dearly and she loved Amy so much.
What a beautiful tribute to Judy. She fought a hard battle. Hugs and prayers for those who loved her so much as they figure out how to exist without her. I will never see an orange rose and not think of her.
❤️ Judy… and her laugh. She was always friendly and kind to me
❤️Judy and her laugh. She was always kind and friendly to me and appreciate her and Sylvan’s friendship with my MIL for many years