May God bless you and your...
So sorry to here about Judy's passing. May she rest in peace.
Pauline Miller
December 27, 2025 | Rose Creek, MN | Friend
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Photo courtesy of Martin-Mattice Funeral Home - Emmetsburg
Guest Book
Aunt Judy was always very delightful to talk to. She was kind and very nice. We are sorry to hear about her passing. My mom and dad are both having health problems so they will not be able to attend the services. We have been in Iowa recently, but will soon return to our home in Florida. Please know that your family will be in our prayers.
Mary Anne (Barringer) and Kelly Carroll
December 16, 2025 | Englewood, FL | Family
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My sympathy to the Garrelts family on the loss of your mother. It’s hard to lose a mother/parent no matter what their age. I got to see and talk to your mom several times at the Ruthven Community Care Center and she seemed happy there and so glad I was able to help you get to FaceTime with her recently Julie. She loved getting to see you and talk to you and loved the gifts you gave her. To all of the family - hold onto the special memories of your mom to keep her close at heart. She’s...
Terese (Sikora) Kudrna
December 14, 2025 | Omaha, NE | Classmate
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So sorry to hear about your Mom! She was a good neighbor throughout the years. I can still hear her laugh! Hugs to all of you. Moms are special and missed no matter how elderly !
Betty OClair(Gappa)
December 11, 2025 | Traer, IA | Neighbor
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My condolences to the Garrelts family. Many years ago I worked for Jack and Judy on the farm, bailing hay mostly. Debbie drove the bailer tractor a few times and I was on the hay rack. Judy was always so gracious and pleasant to visit. She always had a sunshining smile.
Gary Weishaar former neighbor.
Gary Weishaar
December 11, 2025 | Perry, IA | Friend
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I worked right next to Judy at SNC. We had many conversations throughout our working day. She became a very good friend of mine. My sympathy to her family. RIP Judy!
Ruth Malm
December 11, 2025 | Emmetsburg, IA | Friend
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Thoughts and prayers to the Garrett's family. Fond memories of your mom and dad back in my Ayrshire days. Makes me smile. May memories live on forever.
Brenda Pomeroy
December 11, 2025 | Emmetsburg, IA
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I always enjoyed visiting with your mom when she came into the restaurant for coffee. She was a very nice lady.
Anesa McGregor
December 10, 2025 | Ayrshire, IA | Friend
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My Sympathy to the family. Rest in peace Judy.
Pauline Miller
December 10, 2025 | ROSE CREEK, MN | Friend
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Obituary
Judy's Obituary
Judith Kay "Judy" Garrelts (nee Clemenson), age 84, passed away peacefully on December 9, 2025 at the Ruthven Community Care Center in Ruthven, Iowa. Funeral services will be held 10 am Friday January 2nd, 2026 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Mallard. Burial will follow at Silver Lake Cemetery in Ayrshire.
Born on February 2, 1941, in Graettinger, Iowa, Judy was the daughter of the late John "Smokey" Clemensen and Eda (nee Rasmussen) Clemensen. She grew up surrounded by a large loving family that included five sisters: Delores Barringer, Elaine Richardson, Lenor Jensen, Marlys Daniels, and Kathy Beschoner Reinders. She graduated from Graettinger High School. She worked at McNally's Bake Shop and SNC for a number of years.
Judy married John "Jack" W. Garrelts on October 12, 1958 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Graettinger, Iowa, with whom she shared a devoted partnership of 59 years. Together they built a life rooted in faith and community. They were lifelong members of Zion Lutheran Church in Ayrshire, Iowa before becoming members of Trinity Lutheran Church in Mallard, Iowa.
Family was the heart of Judy's life. She is lovingly remembered by her children: Mark A. Garrelts (Vicky) of Estherville, Deborah K. Kolk (Bruce) of Montrose, Colorado, Julie A. Faulk (Jeff) of Mechanicsville, Virginia, and Michael J. Garrelts (Debbie) of Ayrshire, Iowa.
Her legacy continues through her grandchildren: Justin Garrelts, Kristina Besler (Chris), Kelli Hart (Andrew), Jessica and Jeremy Faulk.
Great-Grandchildren: James, Austin, Nolan, and Cora Besler.
Judy had a gift for connecting with others and found great joy in socializing. Whether among family or friends, she brought warmth and laughter to every gathering.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Jack Garrelts, a grandson, Jacob Faulk, four sisters: Elaine Richardson, Lenor Jensen, Marlys Daniels and Kathy Beschoner Reinders, and brothers-in-law, Ivan Richardson, Kenneth Jensen, Weldon Daniels, and Bob Beschoner.
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