Date of Birth:
Sunday, November 9, 1941
Date of Death:
Saturday, May 24, 2025
Age:
83 years old

Judith “Judy” Walter

Judith “Judy” Lee Walter, age 83, of Rochester, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on May 24, 2025, surrounded by loved ones.

Judy was born on November 9, 1941, in Rochester to Willard and Marion (Maloney) Wade. A proud graduate of the very first class of the new John Marshall High School in 1959, Judy went on to earn a degree as a medical secretary from Rochester Junior College. Her career began in various hospitals and concluded at the Rochester State Hospital, where she served with dedication and compassion.

Later, Judy transitioned to a role as an executive secretary at IBM, where she worked until retirement. But retirement didn’t slow her down—Judy generously gave her time and talents by volunteering for Olmsted County and Bethel Lutheran Church, among others.

On March 28, 1980, Judy was united in marriage to John Walter at Christ Lutheran Church in Byron, MN.

Judy lived a life full of love and passion for the things that brought her joy. She was an avid bridge player, enjoyed dancing, was a devoted cat lover, and enjoyed bird watching or time spent on the water at the family cabin in Lake City, fishing alongside her husband, John. She was an avid reader of Stephen King novels, enjoyed the satisfaction of completing a jigsaw puzzle, and always treasured hosting big family holiday gatherings.

Above all, Judy treasured and cherished  her role as a grandmother. She took immense pride in her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, always offering her support, attention, and unconditional love. Her family remembers her as incredibly organized, deeply caring, and always generous with her time.

Judy is survived by her children, Holly (Sulo) Kyyra, Shari (Al) Alm, and Curt (Julie) Walter; grandchildren, Brittany, Katie, Jessica, Bradley, Eric, Bryan, Madison, Timothy, Ruby, Jessica, and Jadea; and many cherished great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her siblings, Linda Wade, Teri Tesch-Wade, and Michael (Marilyn) Wade, along with numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, John Clement Walter; her son, Brett Dornack; infant daughter, Wendy Lee Dornack; brother, Billy Wade; sister, Marjorie Gilson; stepson, John Charles Walter; and her parents, Willard and Marion Wade.

A funeral service to celebrate Judy’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, June 2, 2025, at Bethel Lutheran Church, 810 3rd Ave SE, Rochester. Visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m., prior to the service. Reverend Anjanette Bandel will officiate, and Judy will be laid to rest at Oakwood Cemetery.

To share a memory or offer condolences, please visit www.mackenfuneralhome.com.

Judy’s life was a beautiful example of service, warmth, and love. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.