Judy Eckhoff

Judy Kay Eckhoff, 81, of Albert Lea, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on September 22, 2025, at the Mayo Clinic - Methodist Campus in Rochester, MN.

Born on June 29, 1944, in Albert Lea, MN. Judy was a daughter of the late Russell and Gladys “Sis” (VanRiper) Stauch. A lifelong resident of Albert Lea, Judy devoted her life to her family. On October 8, 1962, she was united in marriage to Gerd Eckhoff… only days after they met! Together, they created a loving home filled with warmth and laughter, where they raised their three children: Dan, Karla, and Barb. Family was of utmost importance to her, and she showed it through her nurturing spirit and unwavering support. Throughout her life, Judy maintained a quiet yet strong faith, finding joy in simple pleasures that life offered. She had a deep appreciation for nature's beauty, often spending hours watching wildlife around the pond or in the tree field she and her family created, with particular delight in observing birds and deer. Her honesty and resilience allowed her to rise to any occasion, earning the respect and love of those around her. Judy was known for her generosity, mercy, empathy, and always being ready to lend a helping hand or listening ear.

Judy loved music, whether while cleaning or on the dance floor with her husband Gerd, she often listened to or sang a tune and many would say Judy and Gerd glided across the dance floor. She shared this love of music with her children. Her encouragement and support ranged from music lesson transport to attending music recitals, parades, and concerts–not only for her children but also grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Judy looked forward every year to attending Dan and Jen's military band performances where her toe would be a tapping. A funeral service will be held at 2:00 PM on Friday, October 3, 2025, at Bonnerup Funeral & Cremation Services, with a visitation beginning one hour prior. The family will also receive friends at visitation to be held on Thursday, October 2, 2025, from 4:00-6:00 PM at the funeral home. Burial will be held at Hillcrest Cemetery in Albert Lea following the service and we’ll return later to Bonnerup for lunch.

Those left to cherish Judy’s memory include her three children Dan (Jennifer) Eckhoff, Karla Eckhoff (Tom Keller), and Barb (Kevin) Beseman; grandchildren Zach (Amber), Emily (Christopher), Danielle, Kaylie (Jake), Austin, Desiree, and Jordan (Lauren); great-grandchildren Ethan, Jace, Evelyn, Luna, and Juniper; her brother Kenneth “Keek” (Glori) Stauch; sister-in-law Trixie Stauch; aunts Pat (Bob) Fjelbroten and Joan Loverink; many beloved cousins, nephews, and nieces; and her best friend of more than 75 years, Bonnie Buchanan.

In addition to her parents Russell and Sis Stauch, Judy was preceded in death by her husband of 47 years, Gerd Eckhoff; brothers James “Sonny” (Ellie) Stauch, and Nick Stauch; a sister Connie (Lowell) Thompson; a nephew James Stauch, Jr.; brothers and sisters-in-law Lawrence (Marie) Eckhoff, Lillian Eckhoff, Lorine (Junior) Crane, Woody Rutherford, Esther (Hayward) Polk, Elmer (Eunice) Eckhoff, Ruth (Melvin) Caddell, Clara (Clarence) Cordes, May (Neal) Fangmann, and Russell (Goldie) Eckhoff; and several other aunts, uncles, nephews, and extended family members.