Judy Mcconkie

Judy McConkie, age 93, of Jefferson, IA, passed away on Wednesday, September 22, 2021 at Long Term Care in Jefferson.

To view a recording of Judy's funeral click on this link: https://youtu.be/WB-Ohx26Kd4

Funeral service will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Friday, October 1, 2021 at the First Presbyterian Church in Jefferson with Rev. Kim Nofel officiating.  Casket bearers will be Jon Kaiser, Jon Rich Steve Brown, Bob Gregory, Bob Woodhouse and Lee Horbach.  Burial will be in the Jefferson Cemetery.

Visitation will be held at the First Presbyterian Church in Jefferson from 9:30 A.M. on Friday until the time of service.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Dahn and Woodhouse Funeral Home and online condolences may be left for the family at www.dahnandwoodhouse.com

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials may be sent to The First Presbyterian Church of Jefferson or Chapter CZ - P.E.O. Sisterhood" in Jefferson.

Dorothy Julienne “Judy” (as she has always been called) Nelson McConkie was born on the family farm on December 19, 1927 in Harlan, Iowa.  She was the oldest of Marshall and Edith Nelson’s three children.  She died September 22, 2021 at the age of 93.

After graduation from Harlan High School, Judy attended Iowa State and Drake University.  She moved to Carroll, Iowa, where she taught kindergarten.  It was in Carroll where she met and married her husband of 59 years, Robert L. “Bob” McConkie on June 4, 1950.  They moved from Carroll to Perry, Iowa for a short time, and then to Jefferson where she lived the rest of her life raising their three daughters, Nancy, Susan and Ann, while Bob was a State Farm agent for over 35 years.

Judy always had a love of music.  It began when she took piano lessons in Harlan from Ruth Potter.  She also loved singing Baptist hymns.  This love of music was shared by the whole family.  Judy and Bob loved listening and dancing to big band music.  Judy encouraged Nancy, Susan and Ann as they took piano lessons and participated in every music opportunity growing up in Jefferson.  She never missed a concert or recital.

Judy was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother.  But her life was filled with many other interests, that she was always very enthusiastic about.  Her passion for travel prompted a career as a travel agent.  She helped others plan their trips around the world, as well as the many trips she and Bob enjoyed together.  Some of her favorites were to Ireland, Germany, Australia, New Zealand, Alaska and Denmark.

Judy was a decan and faithful member of the 1 ^st Presbyterian Church in Jefferson.  She served on the building committee for the existing sanctuary, taught Sunday School and Bible School music.  She was an active member of Chapter CZ – P.E.O. Sisterhood for 68 years, serving as president and was a delegate to the Supreme (now called International) Convention when it was held in Seattle, WA in 1967.  She was also a member of the Eastern Star and B.P.O. Does.

Judy was an avid card, Bridge and Duplicate player.  She learned how to “Win with Mim.”  She enjoyed playing cards with many friends and family.

Judy loved to entertain and was a fabulous cook.  So many friends and family raved about the meals she creatively prepared.  Friends would frequently stop by for “happy hour,” and there was always enough food for them to stay for dinner.  She passed along these entertaining and cooking skills to her three daughters and granddaughters.

Judy loved to tell stories and jokes ... many times over and over again.  She was always sharing a wealth of trivia, too.  Each time she shared a joke or one of her stories, it always got a laugh or brought a smile to someone’s face.

Judy is survived by her three daughters, Nancy (Randy) Hines of Sebastian, Florida; Susan (Jon) Rich of Vero Beach, Florida; Ann (Jon) Kaiser of Waseca, MN; six grandchildren: Nicki Hines (Steve) Pasqualone and Jason (Danielle) Hines; Emily Rich (Tony) Doglio and Megan Rich; and Matthew (Abbe) and Andrew Kaiser; and six great grandchildren: Amelia and Juliet Pasqualone; Louisa and Nathaniel Doglio; and Noah and Parker Hines; and her brother, Jerry (Janet) Nelson of Urbandale, IA.

Judy was preceded in death by her husband, Bob McConkie, her parents, Edith and Marshall Nelson, and her sister, Nancy Nelson Johnson.