Judith "Judy" Joens

Judith Ann Joens, daughter of Peter Dietrich and Pauline Amanda (Jahn) Gehlsen, was born August 31, 1933, on a farm five miles south of Westside in Crawford County, Iowa. She was baptized and confirmed by the Rev. E.G. Otte at St. John's Evangelical and Reformed Church in Westside. Judy attended school in Westside and graduated with the Class of 1951.

On November 15, 1952, Judy was united in marriage with Lyle H. Joens at Westside, also by Rev. Otte. Two sons were born to this union.

Judy began her singing career performing for weddings and funerals in the Westside area during her junior and senior years of high school. She continued as a vocalist for weddings and funerals at Ohde Funeral Home for 30 years. She was a very active member of the First Presbyterian Church in Manning for over 50 years. Throughout the years, she served as Elder and Moderator, sang in the choir, and was a member of the Presbyterian Women's group. Judy was a 50-year member of the American Legion Auxiliary and served as treasurer and secretary. She was also a 50-year member of the Order of the Eastern Star. During high school, Judy attended Girls State and belonged to the Girls State organization for over 50 years.

Judy worked for the Manning Creamery for six years, and then as secretary and assistant City Clerk of the City of Manning for 32 years. She also served as City Treasurer for 20 years during her employment with the City of Manning. In retirement, Judy enjoyed working in the gift shop and being a tour guide at the Haus Barn.

In 2019 Judy became a resident at Ramsey Village Continuing Care in Des Moines, Iowa, where she passed away on Tuesday, November 1, 2022. She was 89 years, 2 months and 1 day of age.

Judy was preceded in death by her parents; husband Lyle Joens in 2010; brothers: Raymond (Loraine) Gehlsen, Leonard Gehlsen, Louis (LaVonne) Gehlsen, Ralph Gehlsen, and Reynold (Roseann) Gehlsen; sisters: Florence Sander, Melvina Meyer and Blondina Stoffers; and Lyle's parents Henry and Louisa (Lohmeier) Joens.

She is survived by two sons: Brian Joens and wife Charlene of Des Moines and Brad Joens and wife D'Lane of Kersey, Colorado; two grandsons: Dillon Joens of Memphis, Tennessee and Parker Joens of Omaha, Nebraska; a step-granddaughter Elizabeth Leo and husband Peter of Storm Lake and great grandsons, Eric and Sam; a sister, Sandy Hanson of Atlantic; and by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Graveside Funeral Services for Judy Joens,was held be at 12 noon on Saturday, November 5, 2022, at Manning Cemetery in Manning. Reverend Anna Small, pastor of the First Presbyterian church, will officiate. J