Judith Ann "Judy" Gebel

Judith Gebel age 82 of Elma, formerly of Alta Vista, died Tuesday, December 30, 2025 at her home.

A Memorial Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at St. Bernard's Catholic Church, Alta Vista with Rev. Telesphore Dusabe celebrating the Mass. Inurnment will be held at Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Alta Vista with Judy's four children, Aaron Gebel, Marc Gebel, Robin Nolan, and April Welsh serving as urnbearers.

Friends may greet the family from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. Monday, January 5, 2026, at Hugeback – Johnson Funeral Home & Crematory in Elma where there will be a 7:00 p.m. scripture service. Visitation continues an hour before the Memorial Mass at the church in Alta Vista on Tuesday.

Judith Ann "Judy" Gebel (Lutkenhaus) passed away peacefully on December 30, 2025, at the age of 82. Judy lived life her way-with determination, humor, and an unmistakable love for her family and community.

Judy was born on April 12, 1943, in Decorah, Iowa, to Ethel and Rudolph Lutkenhaus. As the oldest of eight children, Judy learned early the values of hard work, toughness, and leadership. Growing up, she often took charge-organizing siblings, helping with chores, and making sure everyone stayed in line. She survived her Catholic upbringing and graduated from DeSales High School in 1961, where she was active and accomplished in Chorus, Latin, Yearbook, Publications, Drama, and Operetta. After high school, Judy worked as a dental hygienist until she was united in marriage to Ronald Gebel on May 4, 1963.

Judy later worked as a secretary for Monsanto. They then had a small farm outside of Alta Vista, a job that often found all her siblings staying with her at one time or another-because Judy's home was always open. Together, Judy and Ron farmed before moving to Alta Vista, Iowa, where they started their family and raised four children: Aaron Gebel, Marc Gebel, Robin Nolan, and April Welsh.

Entrepreneurs at heart, Ron and Judy founded and operated the Nite Lite Bar and Restaurant, which they owned and ran for 29 years until 2000. Judy also worked for the New Hampton Job Service and Floyd-Mitchell-Chickasaw County Landfill before retiring.

Judy's leadership helped her small town thrive. She served on the Alta Vista City Council, helped with numerous elections, served on the library board, supported the town Centennial, St. Bernard's Catholic Church, and volunteered tirelessly for community clubs and events. She was a lector, a mentor, and a steady presence wherever she was needed.

Judy taught her children entrepreneurial skills by putting them to work at the family restaurant-lessons they carried into adulthood. She played pool, bowling, and always enjoyed a good card game (especially when she was winning).

In 2019, Judy and Ron were honored as Grand Marshals of the Alta Vista parade-an acknowledgment of their decades of dedication to the community.

Judy loved books, watching sports, current events, and lively conversation. Her quick wit and sharp mind made every discussion memorable. While owning a business made travel difficult, Judy treasured trips to New York City, Florida, Arizona, Chicago, Kansas City, and seeing the Grand Canyon, along with other adventures over the years.

Judy fought a courageous battle with lung cancer and was given a good outlook in recent months.

Judy is survived by her four children, Aaron (Lana) Gebel of Alta Vista, IA, Marc (Jennifer) Gebel of New Hampton, IA, Robin (Rusty) Nolan of Grimes, Iowa, April Welsh of Elgin, IL; ten grandchildren, Ashley, Ryan, Colin, and Kailynn Gebel; Aveda, and Summer Nolan, Carson, Chance, Jack, and Brielle Welsh; three great-grandchildren, seven siblings, Joe (Janet) Lutkenhaus, Gerry (Mary) Lutkenhaus, Jan (Craig) Crooks, Deb (Kevin) Crooks, Kenny (Deb) Lutkenhaus, Patti (Gary) Einwalter, Barb (John) Taylor and numerous nieces and nephews; brothers- and sisters-in-law, and cherished neighbors Mary Ann and Kennedy Gebel, and sister-in-law Margaret Gebel.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Ronald Gebel, in 2019.

Judy's legacy lives on in the family she raised, the town she served, and the countless lives she touched.

In honor of Judy, please be kind and love our neighbors.