Judith A. (Groetken) Kurth 1938-2020

KURTH, GROETKEN, PENDL

Posted By: Barry R Huntsinger (email)
Date: 12/13/2020 at 09:37:16

Judith Ann (Groetken) Kurth passed away peacefully on the afternoon of December 3, 2020 with her husband Leroy (Bud) and children Tracy (Kurth) Nielsen and Gary Kurth by her side at McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD. She was 82 and lost a difficult struggle with the Covid 19. Her family was able to share their love for her and what a great mom she was holding her hand as the last moments of life passed away.

Judy, as she was known to her friends, was born to Raymond Groetken and Helen (Pendl) Groetken in LeMars, IA on August 13, 1938. She had a very happy childhood on a farm and grew up with her siblings, Elosie (Stinton), Rick, Sally (Smith) and Jeffrey. She met Leroy and became high school sweethearts at Gehlen Catholic High school in LeMars. They continued dating while Judy attended St. Vincent’s School of Nursing in Sioux City, IA. She graduated as a nurse in 1959. Later that year Bud and Judy were joined in marriage during a Christmas Season wedding on December 26, 1959 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in LeMars. After the wedding she joined Bud who was teaching in Strawberry Point, IA and began her lifetime nursing career.

On April 5, 1961 she welcomed her first son Patrick. The three of them remained in Strawberry Point until 1964 when Bud accepted a new teaching position in Estherville, IA. Judy obtained a nursing position at Holy Family Hospital helping expecting mothers deliver children. This began their lifelong residence in Estherville. On March 22, 1965 they welcomed their second son Gary. The growing family need a bigger home, so Bud and Judy purchased the land on Knollwood Drive and began building their current home, it was completed in 1967.

In the 1970’s Judy changed her nursing job to a clinic nurse at the Estherville Medical Center. She maintained this position for nearly 40 years; even after retiring continuing to help with seasonal vaccinations.

On August 20, 1974 they welcomed their third child, a daughter, Tracy into the family. Together the family enjoyed many adventures around the country, camping, shopping, gardening, boating, skiing, ballgames, graduations, weddings, a grand-child (Levi Nielsen – she loved spending time with him, watching him play ball and baking his special goodies) and just living a wonderful and supportive Midwest life. Bud and Judy celebrated 61 anniversaries together and were snow-birds in Florida (walking the beaches for shells) for many of them.

Judy was preceded in death by her parents and son Patrick (June 30, 1985).

She is survived by her husband Bud, children Gary and Tracy (Chris), and grandson Levi.

A funeral service was held Tuesday, December 8, 2020 at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Estherville with interment at St. Patrick's Catholic Cemetery.

(Source: Henry-Olson Funeral Home, Estherville, Iowa.)