Judith A. Turnis, 78, of Dubuque, Iowa and formerly of Bernard, Iowa, passed away Monday, August 10, 2026, at her home.

Visitation for Judy will be held from 4 to 8 p.m., Thursday, August 13, 2026, at the Reiff Funeral Home in Cascade, Iowa, where a prayer service will be held at 7 p.m.   Visitation will continue on Friday, August 14, 2026  at 9 a.m. at the funeral home.

Services for Judy will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, August 14, 2026, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Fillmore, Iowa, with Rev. Anthony J. Kruse officiating.  Burial will be held in Sacred Heart Cemetery in Fillmore, Iowa.

She was born January 23, 1948,  in Independence, Iowa, daughter of Roy Nicholas and Kathryn Susan (Gales) Miller.  She was a graduate of Walker High School in Walker, Iowa.

On April 4, 1970, she was united in marriage to Gerald Turnis, the love of her Life, at St. John’s Catholic Church in Independence, Iowa.   They started their lives together on the family farm, side by side, they shared the many joys and challenges of farm life, working together and carrying the load together.

Judy dedicated much of her life to caring for others, beginning her career as a nurse’s assistant at a local nursing home, where she faithfully served for over 14 years.  She then continued helping others at Mercy Medical Center, where she worked as a behavioral health technician for another 25 years before retiring.  Through her years she touched countless lives with her compassion, patience and caring nature.  She made a difference in the lives of those she cared for.

Judy also found joy in quilting, traveling to see the grandchildren, and coffee with the girls.  She also cherished and enjoyed the friendships and camaraderie that came with being part of the Dubuque County Pork Producers  and a member of Sacred Heart Parish in Fillmore, Iowa. Since moving to Dubuque, she has enjoyed being a member of St. Anthony’s Parish.

She is survived by her husband of 56 years, Gerald Turnis of Dubuque, IA; four children, Mark (Kim) Turnis of Janesville, WI, Pam Martin of Shoreview, MN, Lori (Kevin) Behrens of Rochelle, IL and Matt (Jenna) Turnis of Cedar Rapids, IA;  seven  grandchildren; two brothers, Tom (Debby) Miller of Cedar Rapids, IA, and Richard (Connie Rae) Miller of Rowley, IA; two sisters, Sr. Nancy Miller, OSF of Dubuque, IA, and Connie Miller of Cedar Rapids, IA.

She is preceded in death by her parents; four grandchildren- a set of triplets,  Chase, Owen, and Clare Behrens, and Kathryn Grace Turnis.

A Video Tribute may be viewed and online condolences sent to the family at www.reifffuneralhomeinc.com