Judy J. Gildemaster
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Judy Janette (Heckel) Gildemaster, 78, passed away peacefully at home in Artesian, SD on Wednesday, December 22, 2021. A Funeral Service to Celebrate Judy's life will be held at 10:30 AM on Tuesday, December 28, 2021 at the Welter Funeral Home in Huron, SD with burial at the Restlawn Memory Gardens Cemetery. Visitation with family present will be from 4-6 PM on Monday, December 27, at the Welter Funeral Home; or one hour prior to the service at the Funeral Home on Tuesday. Please visit www.welterfuneralhome.com.
Judy was born on July 30, 1943 in Jefferson, SD to William Sr. and Caroline (Wiedemer) Heckel. She attended school in Marion, Wessington Springs and Wolsey, SD.
Judy married Ronald Gildemaster on June 13, 1959. They lived in Huron, South Dakota until 1969 when they moved to Artesian, South Dakota and started farming. While living in Huron, Judy worked at the Huron Hospital as a nurse's aide. When Judy wasn't working in town, she was a vital part of the family farm. Judy's hard work and commitment to family were a vital part to her children's upbringing. For many years she helped Ron on the farm. It was common for her to milk the cows both morning and night all while cooking, cleaning, and making sure the kids were taken care of.
After Ron and Judy moved into the town of Artesian, Judy took up a job at the Thunderbird Lodge in Mitchell. Her last job before retiring was at the Wal-Mart in Mitchell. She did enjoy working there and it was common for her to work the night shift.
She was an avid gardener and enjoyed looking at the Gurney's Catalog every year to find seeds for her next garden. Judy was an amazing cook. She enjoyed candy and reading a good book. Judy loved a good sale, "Cha ching" whether it be a garage sale or some other sale. What Judy loved most though was spending time with her family, especially her children and grandchildren. Judy also enjoyed attending as many of her children's and grandchildren's events as she was able to. She was always willing to hold down the fort when the family went hunting or whenever they needed her. Judy loved people for who they were and could jokingly give someone a hard time.
Judy is survived by her husband Ronald, children Kurt (Diane) Sioux Falls, SD; Kim McCombs, Post Falls, ID; Todd (Sandra) Scottsbluff, NE; Brett (Cheryl) Sioux Falls, SD; Nikki (Eric) Trujillo, Mission Viejo, CA; Misti Gildemaster (Ben McClure), Meridian, ID; Jody (Nate) Clark, Watertown, SD. Twenty-two grandchildren: Sara (Zac Hogan), Karl; Mariya, Gabe, Grant McCombs; Lafe (Heather), Brigette (Dustin) Anderson, Janette (Issac) Clark, Seth, Bethany, Micah; Brandy (Jesse Ahlers), Yvonne, Brandon (Valerie); Jack, Samuel, Andrew Trujillo; Logan, Gavin, Rylee Hauser; Carter, Beau Clark. Also, ten great grandchildren with another one due soon. Brother-in-law Larry (Carol) Gildemaster and two sister-in-laws Judith Gross and Debbie Travis and many other friends and family.
Judy was preceded in death by her parents, her mother and father-in-law, brothers: Robert Warren and Bill Heckel Jr.; her sister, Sharon Larsen; brothers-in-law, Alan Gildemaster and Randy Travis; and grandsons, Levi McCombs and Max Gildemaster.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials may be made in Judy's name to Avera Hospital Foundation: ICU Department. They can be addressed to: Avera Foundation, 525 N. Foster, Mitchell, SD 57301 or online at www.averafoundation.org/support/