Judith Eisenbacher

A Celebration of Life for Judy Eisenbacher will be held Sunday, February 1, 2026 from 1:00-3:00 PM at the Lakes Area Senior Center, 2100 Zenith Ave, Spirit Lake, Iowa. The family requests those attending dress comfortably and in bright colors in her honor. A private family service will be held at a later date at St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery in Ringsted, Iowa.

Judith Joanne Eisenbacher, age 85, passed away January 25, 2026 at Accura Healthcare in Spirit Lake. She was born on May 4, 1940, in Ringsted, Iowa, to Harvey and Geneva Pedersen.

Judy grew up in Ringsted and graduated from Ringsted High School in 1958. She went on to pursue her calling in nursing, earning her Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing from Iowa Lutheran Hospital in May of 1961. Nursing was more than a profession for Judy; it was a lifelong commitment to caring for others. She worked as a nurse in Chicago, Armstrong, and Algona, before spending 29 years at Good Samaritan in Estherville, Iowa, where she eventually retired and moved initially to Spirit Lake and then Spencer, Iowa.

Judy was the oldest of eight children and spending time with family was her greatest joy in life. An avid traveler, she visited all 50 states, all the Great Lakes, and dreamed of ways to get rich so she could buy an island in the Bahamas. She loved her coffee and would often post funny notes about coffee and other bits of history or trivia on Facebook, much to the delight of friends. Judy also loved to challenge herself and try new things – walls were adorned by her watercolor paintings and artwork, she trained to become a Tornado Spotter, earned her green belt in Taekwondo, worked the polls during elections, gardened, was a wonderful baker, and always found ways to give back to her community and to those less fortunate.

She is survived by her two daughters, Julie (Doug) Stahly of Lake Park and Jill (John) Dannels of Spencer; five grandchildren, Lacey (Adam) Reese-Hoogeterp of Lake Park, Lindsey Reese of Lake Park, Lexi (Austin Wassman) Stahly of Harris, Jared Dannels of Spencer and Jordan Dannels of Spencer; four great-grandchildren, Justine Reese, Annistyn Hoogeterp, Beckham Reese and Vienna Hoogeterp. She is also survived by six siblings, Joan (Lenny) Pesicka of Lone Rock, Dr. Jerry (Shirley) Pedersen of Paris, Texas, Dr. Jack (Karen) Pedersen of Corpus Christi, Texas, Joel Pedersen of Spencer, Jay (Lori) Pedersen of Spirit Lake and Dr. Jeff (Allison) Pedersen of Arlington, Texas; along with many nieces and nephews whom she dearly loved.

Judy was preceded in death by her parents, Harvey and Geneva Pedersen; brother, Jim (Nancy) Pedersen; infant sister, Karen; sister-in-law, Nancy Pedersen; son-in-law, John Dannels; and a niece and nephew.

Judy will be dearly missed by her family, friends, and all who were fortunate enough to know her.