Judith Ortmeier
April 23, 1954 ~ November 5, 2024
Click to watch Judith's Recorded Funeral Service
Judith L. Ortmeier, 70, of Chelsea, SD, passed away unexpectedly Tuesday, November 5, 2024, at Avera McKennan Hospital, Sioux Falls, SD, surrounded by her family.
Funeral Mass will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, November 9, 2024, at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, Faulkton, with Fr. John Short presiding. Burial will follow in Mount Calvary Cemetery, Polo. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church.
Judith Lynn (Raethz) Ortmeier was born April 23, 1954, to Kenneth and Helen Raethz in Faulkton, SD. She graduated from Faulkton High School in 1972. She met the love of her life, Dave Ortmeier at the Roller Rink in Orient, and became his wife on June 23, 1972.
In high school she worked at the Snack Shop, Dairy-O and for Father Burns at the Catholic Church in Faulkton. After marriage, she and Dave lived in Wecota for 12 years. During that time, she ran the post office from the front entry of their home. Judy and Dave moved to Chelsea where she spent the next 30 years working as the bookkeeper alongside Dave at the Chelsea Cenex.
Judy opened her home to everyone and wanted to help and take care of anyone that was in need. She was a friend to many and loved visiting with people. She enjoyed playing cards, going to grandkids’ events, and spending time with her great grandkids. She was looking forward to traveling to Arizona to meet her newest great granddaughter, Skylar. She loved decorating for the holidays and was extremely proud of the Christmas village she displayed in the living room all season, adding a new piece every year. Judy was always busy around the house updating, rearranging and making her home ready for the next guest to come.
Her grandkids were her pride and joy, and she loved having them spend the night. She was ready at a moment’s notice when they asked if they could come over. Judy did a lot of baking. She always had bars and cookies in the freezer ready for the grandkids, or when needed to furnish something for an event. Hunting season was one of Judy’s favorite times of the year; that meant her brothers from Chicago were coming. She loved providing a big meal for all the hunters.
Judy retired in 2013 and couldn’t wait to do a little traveling with Dave, especially to Arizona. She loved the warmer weather and enjoyed spending time with family there.
Judy was a member of All Saints Catholic Church, Catholic Daughters of America, and the Cresbard Auxiliary.
Judy is survived by her husband of 52 years, Dave; daughters: Nicky (Kevin) Sparling and Cassie Ortmeier; sons: Garrett (Rachel) Ortmeier and Matt Ortmeier; grandchildren: Kaitlyn (Levi) Haar, Codi (Paul) Young, Talley Sparling, Teryn Sparling, DeShawn (Katherine) Ortmeier, Jude Ortmeier and Layla Ortmeier; great-grandchildren: Hadley and Hudson Haar and Malachi, Aziah and Skylar Ortmeier; siblings: Ron (Fran) Raethz, Roger (Janet) Raethz, Cindy (Tom Myslewiec) Raethz, Tom (Betty) Raethz, Doug Raethz, Kristi Young and Mike (Pete Austin) Raethz; in-laws: Don (Jan) Ortmeier, Peg (Duke) Venjohn, Joan (Dave) Blachford, Tom (Terri) Ortmeier, Carol (Jerry) Wieseler, Mel (Norman) Jelsma, Rodey (Chuck) Martinmaas, Ann (Mike) Schaefer, Jack (Diane) Ortmeier, Gerri Ortmeier, Mike (Gina) Ortmeier, and Shane (Cris) Ortmeier as well as many nieces and nephews.
Grateful to have shared in her life but passed on before her were infant daughter, Mary Jo; parents, Kenneth and Helen Raethz; stepmother, Shirley Williams-Raethz; father and mother-in-law, John and Kitty Ortmeier; brother-in-law, John Young; and niece and nephew, Lindsey and Tony Venjohn.
Luce Funeral Home of Faulkton has been entrusted with Judith’s arrangements.
View current weather.
Memories Timeline
Guestbook
Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle
Heartfelt sympathy to the all of Judy & Dave’s families in the loss of a one special woman! Know you are & will remain in my prayers during this difficult time.
judy’s husband and all of her family and siblings. i am so sorry to hear of her death. judy was such a sweet girl, i knew her as she was growing up and friend of my younger sister. comfort to you all
Our deepest condolences to all of the Ortmeier (and Raethz) families. keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers. God Bless you all!!
Our hearts are broken for you. Judy was a kind and compassionate woman. May our prayers bring comfort and peace to you and your family during this difficult time and the days ahead. In Deepest Sympathy,
My sympathies to all of Judy's family in the unexpected loss of her. She was far to young to leave her large, loving family. She was a good, kind person, and I'm sure you have many cherished memories to remember her.
We are so sorry to learn of the passing of Judy. Judy was a very special lady. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Words can not express how sad I am to hear this and how sorry I am. Judy was an amazing lady and I was so blessed to grow up in Wecota, getting to know her. She was a bright light! I know how very much she loved all of you and how proud of all of you she was. May God wrap his loving arms around all of you and grant you the peace that only he can provide. Much love and many prayers.
Lisa Holsing Eichinger and Pat
Dave and Family, My sympathy to All in the passing of your Dear Judy from her Earthly life! May God Comfort All! Sincerely, Randy L Richards and Family
Dave, Cassie & fm,
We met during the Ortmeier family reunion. Judy made an impression on me with her care for her family. Several times we met when they were in Omaha. Cousins always find the connection and family is strong. Judy will always be remembered with pleasant thoughts and never be forgotten.
Catherine
We are so privileged to have known Judy. She was the most loving, cheerful, and kind person. She passed on that trait to her beautiful children and I’m sure grandchildren. The world is a better place because of Judy. She was so loved and that makes it all the harder to say goodbye for now. We sincerely pray for God to send you His comfort and peace.
Hugs and prayers to all of Judy's family. May all your memories give you strength in knowing what a wonderful person she was. She will be missed by many but will live on through her family.
My sympathy to all. I so wanted to be there for the services. Judy, I’ll remember your smile, your laugh, your sweet, soothing voice.
Cassie and DeShawn, I’m truly sorry for your loss. Ms. Judy was such a kind and generous person with a big heart, and it’s clear in how close your family is. I’ve kind of fallen off the radar since I don’t use social media, but I’ll make an effort to stay in touch more. My deepest sympathy to you both.