Judith Godwin passed away on Thursday, May 23, 2019, at LutherHaven Nursing Home in Montevideo, Minn., after a long battle against muscular dystrophy.
Judith Rosalie Kiehne was born December 15, 1943, in Cresco, Iowa, to Rueben and Norma (Todd) Kiehne.
She was baptized and confirmed at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church (Big Springs) in rural Harmony, Minn.
She attended the Big Springs Country School through sixth grade and graduated from Harmony High School. She attended St. Olaf College and then went to work in Minneapolis. While serving as a bridesmaid for one of her college friends, she meet Douglas Godwin. They were married on December 28, 1963, at St. Paul’s Church in Harmony. Judy and Doug lived in Spearfish N. Dak., Cavalier, N. Dak., Albert Lea, Minn., and Owatonna, Minn., before finding “home” in Ashby, Minn., where they remained for 37 years, until health issues forced Judy to seek care in an assisted living center in Glencoe, Minn. In 2018 they moved to Montevideo. Judy was active in her church, Peace Lutheran in Ashby, in the choir, bible study, WELCA, and as a Sunday school teacher. Judy was active in the community as a member of the Lions and Living Treasures Garden Club. Judy’s passion was gardening and cooking. Anyone who visited left with a handful of flowers or produce and a full stomach.
Judy is survived by her husband Douglas Godwin of Montevideo, Minn., her children: Monica (Mitch) Stueck of Montevideo, Minn., Andrea (Greg) Miller of Eden Prairie, Minn., and Jeff (Lisa ) Godwin, Elbow Lake, Minn.; grandchildren: Emma Stueck, Megan Stueck, Madeline Godwin, Aidan Godwin, Nathan Miller and Lauren Miller; brothers Frederick (Ramona) Kiehne, David (Diane) Kiehne, and Neal (Mary) Kiehne and sister-in-law Nancy Kiehne, as well as numerous extended family and friends.
Judy was preceded in death by her parents Reuben and Norma Kiehne, and a brother, Larry Kiehne.