Judith L. "Judy" Manz

Judy Manz, a remarkable woman of 84 years from Inver Grove Heights, embarked on her eternal journey on January 13th, 2025, after courageously battling ALS.
Born to Lloyd and Elsie (Dorn) Stevens in Winona, Minnesota, Judy grew up with a strong sense of community and faith. She was a 1958 graduate of Winona High School. She was married to Donald L. Manz at St. Matthew's Evangelical Lutheran Church and celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary shortly before his passing in 2008.
Their lifelong love story started at the church's roller-rink where they continued to volunteer after their marriage.
As a devoted wife and mother, Judy was a strong support to their young family as Don continued his education, becoming a high school teacher. A teaching opportunity moved the family to Inver Grove Heights where Judy's warm nature and kindness quickly turned neighbors into lifelong friends.
During her 30-year tenure as an administrative assistant to the Simley Senior High School Assistant Principal, Judy worked tirelessly for the Inver Grove Heights School District 199, earning the respect and admiration of her colleagues. Her dedication to her career was rivaled only by her passion for faith, which she nurtured as a member of Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church.
Judy was an avid gardener and loved planting a colorful flower garden. She never turned down a trip to Gertens Nursery! Judy decorated beautiful and elaborate wedding and anniversary cakes for many family members over the years. She loved baking from her extensive recipe collection. She was famous for cutting every donut, piece of pie or cake in half, only to share another half! Judy's zest for life took her on unforgettable journeys to Europe, Hawaii, and California, exploring new horizons with her cousins by her side. The Minnesota State Fair was an annual pilgrimage, and her enthusiasm for the Vikings was simply contagious.
Despite facing health challenges, including cancer and Stargardt Vision Disease, Judy's indomitable spirit, beautiful smile, infectious laugh, and unwavering optimism inspired those around her. Her legacy will live on through the countless lives she touched, a shining reminder of the power of love, faith, and resilience.
She is survived by many loved ones including her children, Dean (Theresa) Manz, Lori (Brian) Billmeyer, Lisa (Clint) Sexton; grandchildren, Nicole (Jacob) Scissons, Luke (Karlye) Manz, Aaron Manz, Brandon (Madeline) Billmeyer, Travis (Briana) Billmeyer, Tanner Billmeyer, Stevie Lacher; great-grandchilden, Ava, William and Isaac Scissons, Tristen Wittmer, Avely and Piper Billmeyer; twin brother, Jim (Sandie) Stevens; brother, David (Sue) Stevens; sister-in-laws, Alice Stevens, Alice Stevens, Mary Stevens; former son-in-law, Joe Lacher; many cousins, nieces, nephews, and lifelong best friend Sandy Knopp.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 50 years; twin infant girls, Cynthia and Deborah; her parents, sister and brother-in-law, Donna (Harold) Schuppenhauer; brothers, Allyn Stevens, Robert Stevens, Lynn Stevens; brother and sister-in-law, William (Eunice) Stevens; nieces, Louise Sexton, Sheryl Hayes, and Cynthia Fort.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday February 8th starting at 2:00 pm, followed by prayer service at 4:00 pm at Roberts Funeral Home, 8108 Barbara Ave., Inver Grove Heights, MN 55077.
Judy requested memorials be directed to ALS Association or to National Federation of the Blind of Minnesota.
A special thank you to Three Links Care Center and Minnesota Hospice for their loving compassionate care of Judy.
Private interment will be held at a later date at Woodlawn Cemetery in Winona, MN.