Judith Kay Trapp, age 73, passed away on Feb. 20, 2013 in Mesa, AZ. Judy was born to Effner and Estella (Helm) Trapp on Oct. 8, 1939 in Milbank, SD. She graduated from Milbank High School in 1957. Judy was employed at Milbank Mutual Insurance Co. On July 31, 1964 she married Ronald Buescher at Milbank, SD. To this union three children were born.
After their children were born, Judy and Ron operated the Montgomery Ward Catalog Store in Milbank. Later they moved to Huron, SD where they operated the roller skating rink. Judy and Ron moved to Spirit Lake, IA in 1986 where Judy worked in real estate, and she and Ron started their own trucking company.
On Jan. 22, 2000, Judy married Russ Winkleblack in Milford, IA. Judy joined Russ in running his business, Winkleblack Specialties. Judy and Russ retired to Mesa, AZ.
Judy was truly musical, making her first recording Jan. 1, 1942 at the age of 2 years. She was very involved in church choirs and pageants, musicals, community theater, Sisters of Harmony, Leisure World Bells, and the Good News quartet. She made many recordings and CD's to share her music.
Left to cherish Judy's memory are her husband Russ, son Terrance (Gwyn) of Murray, UT, daughter Lynell (Keith) Langel of Milford, IA, and son Douglas (Meredith) of Mesa, AZ, sister Lois (Harold) Loof of Mesa, AZ, sister-in-law Kathy Trapp of Milbank, SD, five step children, six grandchildren, one great grandchild, a number of step grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
Judy was preceded in death by her husband Ron, grandson Brandon, parents Effner and Estella Trapp, sister Irma Jean, and brothers Vernon and Duane.
After Judy was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2008, her family and friends enjoyed four more years with her. Due to TGen's research, treatments, and caring attention, Judy was mostly active during those years.
A memorial service will be held Friday, March 8, 2013 from 1-3 PM at the Silveridge Activity Center in Mesa, AZ. Another service will be held on April 13, 2013 at 2 PM at the First Lutheran Church in Milford, IA.
If you would like to make a donation to Judy Winkleblack's Memorial in support of pancreatic research at TGen, please click here.
