Judy Kay Nelson, age 67, of Beldenville, WI, passed away peacefully at her home after a courageous battle with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease) on September 8, 2024. Born on March 12, 1957, in Red Wing, she was the daughter of Marvin (Red) Galvin and Frances (Mitchke) Hardy. Judy grew up in Red Wing, MN and graduated from high school with the Class of 1975. She briefly worked for Red Wing Shoe Company before meeting the love of her life, Rodney Nelson. After a short courtship, they were married at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Beldenville. Together, they were blessed with four children: Andy, April, Adam, and Aaron.

Judy dedicated her life to her family, choosing to stay home and raise her children rather than return to work outside the home. They started their family near Ellsworth before settling on Rodney’s family homestead in Martell Township, where they have lived ever since.

Judy was a talented cook, and her children fondly remember her famous rice crispy chicken. She also enjoyed baking, especially for Rodney, who had a sweet tooth. Living in the country, Judy took great pride in her flower beds and vegetable gardens, which provided fresh herbs for her cooking. It seems like her great cooking skills and love for good food also brought joy and comfort to those around her, making her home a gathering place for love and nourishment. Along with her family, they also tended to dairy cows and egg-laying chickens.

Judy was a simple woman who valued her faith and family above all else. She lived her life with strong faith, teaching her children the importance of treating others with kindness and compassion. Her love for her children, grandchildren and dogs of years past speaks to a life full of warmth and care.

Judy’s memory will live on in the hearts of her loving husband and best friend, Rodney; her children, Andy Nelson, April (Jeremy) Thacker, Adam (Angie) Nelson, and Aaron (Carolyn) Nelson; her grandchildren, Lily, Karli, Emma, and Owen; her siblings, David Hardy, Kevin (Sue) Hardy, Randy Hardy, Linda (Russell) Quade, Jeff (Margie) Hardy, Patti (Dan) Unser, Gary (Sandy) Nielson, and Sharon (Mike) Hempel; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Tim Hardy; and sister-in-law June Hardy.

The family is having a private Celebration of Life. Memorials can be made to the ALS Society in Judy’s name.

Cremation and memorial services have been entrusted to the O’Connell Family Funeral Home of Ellsworth. For more information, please visit www.oconnellfuneralhomes.com or call 715-273-4421.