Visitation will be held from 4:00-7:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 5, at the Runge Mortuary. Services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, October 6, at Trinity Lutheran Church. She will be laid to rest in Elmwood Cemetery, DeWitt. Online condolences may be expressed at www.rungemortuary.com.
Judy was born July 29, 1941 to Vernon and Mardel (Henzen) Nelson in Grand Mound, IA. She was baptized and confirmed at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Grand Mound. Judy graduated from Grand Mound High School in 1959. She worked for Iowa Mutual Insurance Co. where she met her husband, Fay Knutsen. They were married June 22, 1963 until his passing on May 20, 1985.
Judy had an in-home daycare for many years and kept in touch with her “kids” over the years. She also decorated cakes and catered receptions. In November, 1970 she started working at the Col Ballroom, retiring in 2000 after 30 years. In 1988, she started working for Davenport School food service, retiring in 2006 from Davenport West High School.
Judy was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church where she worked with the seniors groups and drove the church van for many outings. Music was a huge part of her life. She sang in the choir at church as well as singing for weddings and funerals. Judy also sang with the Sweet Adeline’s for 25 years and attended 7 international competitions.
She also volunteered at Genesis Hospital and worked in election polls for many years.
Most of all, she enjoyed her grandchildren and attending their sports events. They always knew that “Bema” was in the crowd because of her strong voice.
She is survived by sons, Jeff (Jen) Knutsen, Bettendorf, IA, Joel Knutsen, Davenport, IA, and Matt (Tina) Knutsen, Bettendorf, IA; grandchildren, Jonathan, Rylee, Emily, and Zachary; sister, Karen (Lawrence) Wenndt; along with many nieces, nephews, and “special” brother, David Wenndt.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Fay; parents; brother, Russel; and nephews, Brian, Jeremy, and Caleb.
