Judith Ann Meinke

Judith Meinke passed away peacefully on July 5, 2025. Born on April 30th, 1953 to Anna L. (Sutter) and Walter Hillyer Jr in Peoria, IL. Jude spent her childhood enjoying the outdoors with her friends and family. She served as a lifeguard and appreciated the theater. 

After graduating from the Academy of Our Lady Catholic School, Jude married Bradley A. Meinke on September 29th, 1973. Together, they lived on US Air Force bases before settling down in Stillwater, MN. Jude believed in living life to the fullest, serving as the first female VP of Washington Federal Bank, and the first female member of the Stillwater Lions. She loved to garden, travel, and enjoyed music and concerts. Her quick wit and clever commentary will be missed by all who knew her.

Jude is preceded in death by her parents, Walter Hillyer Jr., and Anna McDade; her stepfather, Daniel McDade Sr.; brothers, Daniel McDade Jr., and Richard Hillyer; sisters, Bridget Senti and Patrice McCartney; and her sweetheart, Bradley.

Jude is survived by her children, Hannah (Bryan) Hartshorn, and Sutter (Elizabeth Mora) Meinke; and siblings Tom (Wendy) McDade and Jerry (Connie) McDade. She will be missed by many friends, especially the Coop Group, cousins, brothers and sisters in law, nieces and nephews, and her devoted cats, particularly Tilly.

Mass of Christian Burial Friday, August 8, 2025, 11:00 A.M. at St. Michael’s Catholic Church, 611 South 3rd Street, Stillwater with visitation one hour prior to the Mass at church. A graveside service for Jude and Bradley will be held immediately following the Mass at Rutherford Cemetery, Stillwater.