JUDITH “JUDY” LYNN GOERTZEN (née KLIEWER)

Judy Goertzen, born Judith Lynn Kliewer on July 6, 1945, in Altona, MB, peacefully passed away on March 3, 2024 at Grace Hospital.

She was the beloved daughter of Jake and Elsie Kliewer, and the oldest sibling to Ken, Joey, and Lori. Judy had many fond memories and stories of growing up on the farm with her family and school friends in Kleefeld, MB.

After completing her high school education in Steinbach, she went on to Teachers College in Winnipeg in 1963, and became an elementary school teacher, spending the next years teaching in both Steinbach & Winnipeg.

On December 20th, 1969, Judy married her love, Fred Goertzen. Together they built a warm and loving home in West St Paul, where they raised their two children, Daniel and Jill. Their community on Jackman Road continues to be a constant source of support and friendship.

In 1978, Fred pursued a work contract with Bell Canada, and along with Judy and the kids, lived 2 memorable years abroad in Saudi Arabia, making lifetime friendships and taking family vacations around the world. 

Throughout her life, Judy was involved in her church community at First Mennonite, dedicating time to teaching Sunday School, leading children’s choir, singing in adult choir and participating in bible study groups and in the adult fellowship group. In more recent years she found joy and companionship with the 9-Patch quilters, as their honorary crochet member.

In addition to crochet, her creativity and handiness stretched to holiday decor which she sold at a dear friend's craft sale for many years, along with many batches of poppycock and French bread.

Judy was an excellent cook and baker of bread, buns and all kinds of goodies, including spectacular birthday cakes for her kids, always from scratch. An avid gardener, she maintained a massive vegetable plot, working to store its yields for the winter.

Judy accompanied Fred hiking over 300 km of the Trans-Canada trail throughout Manitoba, and also was his dedicated companion at the local casino, enjoying many games of Jokers Vault.

When the kids were done with school, Judy worked part-time at Crosstown/Civic credit union for more than 20 years.

After Fred’s retirement, they embarked on countless adventures – road trips to Las Vegas, cruises throughout the world including Australia, Japan, Denmark and more as well as an around the world trip in 2019.

Judy was diagnosed with IPF (idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis) in 2015 and relied on supplied oxygen from 2019. In recent years, with declining mobility, social media was her connection to friends and family, far and wide, and her thirst for knowledge lead her to many interesting news articles and video series all from the comfort of her recliner. Judy was always ready to lend an ear to friends and family and share a good joke or laugh.

Judy was a devoted grandmother, finding immense joy in the achievements and milestones of her children and grandchildren. She is survived by her husband Fred, her  children Daniel (Benita) & Jill (Kyle); her grandchildren Lily, Noah, Adam (aka Bean), Ivy & Axel; and her siblings Ken (Iris), Joey (John) and Lori (Loren).

Judy will be so dearly missed.

A life celebration will be planned at a future date.

Judy’s family kindly requests that all of her friends and relatives take a few minutes to honour her memory by sharing photos, memories, and stories, using the comment section on this page.

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ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

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204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

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