Judith Ann Holderbach

Judy was called home to be with the Lord on the morning of April 18, 2025, in Stillwater, MN. She passed peacefully surrounded by her loving family.

Judy was born in Durand, WI on March 20,1944. In 1947, Judy, her parents and siblings moved to Aldrich, MN. She would spend her childhood and teenage years in Aldrich. She described her childhood as "idyllic" and had many fond memories of growing up in a small town. She often said that she wished every child had the opportunity to grow up in a small town.

Judy graduated from Staples High School in 1962 and attend college at Moorhead State. She completed her freshman year. Deciding she wanted an adventure she transferred to Greely Colorado. In 1966 she graduated from Greely with a degree in elementary education.

While in Greely she reconnected with an old high school friend, Michael Holderbach. Mike was in the Air Force and was stationed in El Paso, Texas. He invited her down for a long weekend visit. They soon found out that they had a strong connection and fell in love quickly. Then six months later they decided to tie the knot!

After Mike got out of the Air Force they moved to St. Cloud, MN where he attended St. Cloud State University and Judy continued teaching. Shortly after Mike graduated, they started a family. Mitch was born in December of 1970, and Kari was next in April 1974.

Judy continued to work as a substitute teacher for several years while being a stay at home mom. She found her calling when she took a job as a teller at the St. Paul Postal Credit Union. She was promoted to a member service representative. Her personality was a perfect match for the role, and she loved every minute of it. Her gift of gab and her natural ability to build trust and rapport quickly made her a favorite of many of the members.

Sadly, Mike passed away in December of 2006. In 2009, Judy officially retired and started a new chapter in her life. She moved to Stillwater Mills in downtown Stillwater. She often would say picking Stillwater Mills was one of her best decisions.

Judy quickly developed friendships at Stillwater Mills and became a loved and cherished member of the community. People were drawn to her friendly personality, zest for adventure and her quick wit. Her social calendar was always full, she never sat idle for long.

Judy embraced life and lived each day to the fullest. She had many hobbies and interests. Some of the things that she enjoyed the most were traveling to new places, baking, board and card games, happy hours with her friends, live music, reading a good book, puzzles, Jeopardy and spending time with her family and friends. If something fun was happening, rest assured she was right there in the middle of it!

Judy was diagnosed with cancer in August of 2024. She was determined to fight. She was brave, strong and courageous. Her willingness to do whatever it took to beat cancer was not only inspiring but admirable. She never complained or gave up hope.

Judy lived a full, meaningful life and had many blessings bestowed upon her. Judy will always be remembered to those who loved her as a devoted wife, loving and supportive mother/grandmother, free spirit, friend to many and most of all a lover of life!

Judy is preceded in death by her husband, Michael; parents, John and Mary Jane Friedli; and brother, Jack Friedli.

She is survived by her children, Mitchell and Kari Holderbach-Khan; grandchildren, Devyn, Noah, Tarek, Maliha; and her sister and best friend, Jan Joiner. Later in her life, she felt blessed to have the opportunity to reconnect with her son, Greg Rajala (Beth, Kristen, Kyle).

Judy will be missed but never forgotten.

Celebration of Judy’s Life 11am Saturday, June 21st at Bradshaw Celebration of Life Center, 2800 Curve Crest Blvd., Stillwater, with visitation beginning at 10am. Private family interment at Evergreen Hill Cemetery in Staples, MN. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to the American Cancer Society.