Judith Wendel, 74, Owatonna

Judith Ann Wendel, age 74, of Owatonna, passed away on April 1, 2026, after a long and courageous battle with cancer.

She was born on June 16, 1951, in Belcourt, N.D., at the Turtle Mountain Reservation and is a member of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa, to Louis Marlen and LaVonne (Milender) Grant. Judy spent her childhood in St. Paul and Watkins, Minn., and graduated from Watkins High School in 1970.

On May 1, 1971, she married the love of her life, Wallace Wendel. Together they built a life centered on love, family, and faith. Over the course of her career, Judy worked at Owatonna Tool Company, Sterling Drug, and Walmart.

Judy found her greatest joy in spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She loved expressing her creativity through arts and crafts, card making, and decorating around her home. Judy also enjoyed taking daily walks—often around her favorite stores—finding happiness in life’s simple routines. Over the years, she was a devoted caregiver to many, always putting others before herself with a generous and compassionate heart.

Judy is survived by her devoted husband, Wallace; her children, Jennifer (Gregg Feuerstein) Anderson, Denise (Matthew) Trom, Kristi (Robert Jr.) Cook, Brian (Chelsea) Wendel, and Tameara (Derek) Stangler; 14 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and her sister, Trudy Koenig.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Louis and LaVonne Grant, and her sisters, Toni Norling and Margaret Peterson.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, April 9, 2026, from 9:30 to 11 a.m. at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 2500 7th Ave NE, Owatonna. The funeral service will follow at 11 a.m., with Pastor Dan Borkenhagen presiding. Burial will take place at Forest Hill Cemetery.

Judy put her whole heart into her faith, and through it, she lived a deeply fulfilling life dedicated to nurturing and caring for those around her. Family and friends meant everything to her—they were the source of her greatest joy, and she cherished time spent together, whether in laughter or in life’s simple, quiet moments.

Above all, Judy loved sharing life with her husband, Wallace. Their marriage was a true love story and a lasting example of devotion. For more information or to leave an online message of condolence, go to www.megercares.com.