Judith Ann Leistad

Judith Ann, daughter of Marvin and Ebba (Beck) Jacobsen, was born December 12, 1939, at Exira, Iowa. Judy was raised by her mother Ebba and stepfather Arnold Nissen. She grew up and attended school in Exira. Judy later earned her GED.

On May 31, 1956, Judy was united in marriage with Ronald Leistad at Exira Lutheran Church. Three children were born to this couple. The family farmed west of Elk Horn where Judy was a stay-at-home mom and helped Ron in his contracting business. Judy and Ron went where his business took him. They lived in Spirit Lake, Iowa; Houston, Texas; and then Glenwood, Iowa, eventually retiring in Pearland, Texas. After leaving Elk Horn, Judy worked at various retail and furniture stores and Judy became a top salesperson for Lazy Boy.

Judy had a wonderful style and an eye for design. She enjoyed shopping and creating a beautiful home. Judy always looked forward to the holidays with family and traveling back to Iowa. Her favorite outings were to grandchildren's activities, sporting events, dance recitals, birthdays, graduations and weddings. When she was not able to attend in person, Judy appreciated being able to watch them online or listen on the radio. When her illness interfered with travel, she considered herself blessed to enjoy holiday parties at Reed and Janelle's home.

On Thursday, April 27, 2023, Judy passed away, following a lengthy illness, at Baylor St. Luke's Medical Center in Houston, Texas, at the age of 83 years, 4 months and 15 days.

Judy is survived by her husband Ronald Leistad of Pearland, Texas; three children: Beth Winquist of Schleswig; Joni (Jerome) Irlmeier of Norfolk, Nebraska; and Reed (Janelle) Leistad of League City, Texas; nine grandchildren; Tara Alexander; Erica (Robert Schweller) Hansen; Mori Hansen; Katie (Justin) Broderson; Anna (Paul) Hammes; Joseph (Megan) Irlmeier; Brad (Jordyn) Irlmeier; Lindsey Leistad and Ashley Leistad; nine great-grandchildren; a brother Andy Jacobsen of Fort Smith, Arkansas; two sisters Kathleen Johnston of Green Valley, Arizona and Vicky Oakley of Deltona, Florida; and by many other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents and two sons-in-law Richard Hansen and Sydney Winquist.

Funeral Service was held on Saturday, May 6, 2023 at 10:30 a.m. at Elk Horn Lutheran Church, Elk Horn, Iowa.

Reverend Kelley Pedersen, Officiating.

Message In Music "By Vangelis", "How Great Thou Art", "You Raise Me Up" Jordyn Irlmeier, Violinist.

Casket Bearers were Joseph Irlmeier, Brad Irlmeier, Justin Broderson, Paul Hammes, Mark Daniel and Avery Broderson.

Burial at Elk Horn Lutheran Cemetery, Elk Horn, Iowa.