Judy Raethz
August 28, 1947 ~ September 3, 2015
Judy Raethz, 68, of Faulkton, passed away Thursday, September 3, 2015 at the Faulkton Senior Living Center after losing her 29-year battle with multiple sclerosis (MS).
Funeral Mass was held at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, September 8, 2015 at St. Thomas Catholic Church in Faulkton with Fr. Christopher Hughes officiating. Burial followed at St. Thomas Catholic Cemetery. A rosary service was held at 7:00 p.m., Monday, September 7, 2015 at St. Thomas Catholic Church in Faulkton.
Judy Ann Cunningham was born August 28, 1947 to Joseph “Jodie” and Theresa (Waldman) Cunningham in Hoven, SD. Judy attended school in Onaka, SD until the sixth grade. In 1958 her family moved to Faulkton where she graduated from high school in 1965. Following graduation, Judy moved to Minneapolis and worked in the IDS tower for a short period of time before returning to Faulkton where she worked as a teller at the Faulk County State Bank.
On June 15, 1968 she married the love of her life, Richard “Dick” Raethz of Cresbard. Dick and Judy raised their three children on the Raethz family farm, southwest of Cresbard, until 1979 when they sold the farm and relocated to Faulkton. Judy continued raising her family while working various jobs as a craft store owner (Judy’s Arts and Crafts), bookkeeper and daycare provider. In 1986 Judy was diagnosed with Multiple Scleroses. When working became limited for Judy she continued to work and was employed at Missouri River Tackle and as a mail carrier for the US Postal Service for many years. Judy moved into the Faulkton Senior Living Center in 2002 and resided there for the final 13 years until she lost her battle with MS.
She was a member of the St. Thomas Catholic Church of Faulkton and a member of Lakeside Country Club. Judy adored her children and grandchildren and was proud of all their accomplishments. She enjoyed playing cards, dancing, attending bingo functions, and listening to her husband’s musical events. She was crowned 2015 Queen of Hearts at the Faulkton Senior Living Center and recently celebrated her 50th class reunion at R&R Hunting Lodge this summer. She was an inspiration to us all and will continue to be so as she lays in her final resting place next to her children she so adored.
Survivors include her husband Richard “Dick” of Faulkton; daughter, Shelly Sepulveda of Fountain Valley, CA; son, Jerod (Lisa) Raethz of Faulkton; three sisters, Arlene (Paul) Mardian of Aberdeen, Carol (Jim) Shoup of Onida, Kathy (Eric) Gunlogson of Fridley, MN, and one brother, Richard (Jo) Cunningham of Hot Springs; granddaughters, Kayla and Haley Sepulveda of Fountain Valley, CA and Bailey, Ella and Aedyn Raethz of Faulkton and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her two children Carmalie and Jovin; her parents: Jodie & Theresa Cunningham; and grandparents. Walter and Lena Waldman and Charles and Alice Cunningham.
Luce Funeral Home of Faulkton has been entrusted with Judy’s arrangements.
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Dick & family: We are extending our deepest sympathy to you. It has been a long journey for you which has finally come to a close and Judy is free from pain and suffering. Judy is now in Heaven rejoicing with the rest of the family. Cherish the memories!
Dick and family, I never met Judy Raethz, but I felt like I knew her (in a Mrs. Columbo kind of way). Dick talked about her all the time. Even through her physical weaknesses, she sounded like a very strong woman, entrusted to a very loving and caring family. Sorry to hear of your loss. I wish you well. Gene Loeschke
Dick, We’re so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this very difficult time.
Dick,Jerrod and family. We are sending our deepest sympathy to you all. Judy always had a smile for everyone…
Hugs and prayers for Judy’s family…Thinking of you all at this difficult time.
Sending our love and sympathy to you all. The angels have a special person among them now.
We are sorry to hear of Judy’s passing, lots of good memories with the van rides to all the basketball games. We will never forget those fun days. Our sympathy to you all.
Dick, Thoughts and prayers to you and your family during this difficult time. Love & Prayers, Carrie & Family
My heart goes out to Judys family. Judy was a special lady. I so enjoyed taking care of her and grew to love her as my own mother. I am going to miss her so much, but I have many happy memories with her as I am sure you do too
Our sympathy and love go out to all the family. God be with you at this time of loss and sorrow. Gods blessing upon all.
To Judy’s family I am so sorry for your loss. I have a lot of great memories of her with her family. As I am sure you do too, hold on to them and remember them often as she was great lady. God Bless
Deepest sympathy goes out to you all.
To the whole Raethz and Cunningham families..you have our deepest sympathies in the loss of Judy. She was such a wonderful lady and will truly be missed by a host of people. Praise the Lord, however, as she is no longer suffering. We are sending lots of prayers and if we can do anything, please ask.
Dick and family, I was so sorry to hear of your loss of your beloved Judy. I am certain you all have another angel in heaven looking down on you now. You can bet she is free of pain and dancing to one of your favorite songs, Dick. Take care. God bless.