Judy K. Hanken, 77, of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed away on September 22, 2024, after a recent battle with Amyloidosis and Multiple Myeloma. Her family surrounded her in her final moments.

Born on December 2, 1946, at the Anamosa Hospital to Leland and Geraldine Meineke, Judy grew up on a dairy farm near Solon. In 1963, her family moved to Springville, where she completed high school. During her time at Springville High, Judy enjoyed her studies, school dances, attending sporting events and playing the coronet in the school senior and pep bands.

In 1967, Judy moved to Maquoketa with her husband, Chris Hanken, and infant son when Chris began his teaching and coaching career at Maquoketa Community High School. Judy was a regular at hundreds of team and tournament wrestling events, cheering on the athletes and connecting with Cardinal sports fans.

The couple spent 25 years together, raising their two sons, Craig, who now lives in Des Moines, Iowa, and Josh (wife Donna), who resides in Maquoketa, Iowa. Though they later separated, Judy and Chris remained committed to their family.

Judy worked for 27 years at the USDA Farm Service Agency in Jackson County, Iowa. She was known for her strong work ethic and close relationships with colleagues and farmers. Judy was also involved with P.E.O. Sisterhood, serving in many roles and forming lasting friendships within the organization.

Judy loved socializing with her friends, whom she met through the teaching and golfing communities and her work, and they are still the closest, dear friends to the end—the time she spent with them brought her tremendous happiness and beautiful memories.

Her greatest joy, however, was her family. She loved working on sewing, crafting, or baking projects and spending time with her grandchildren—Kaitlyn, Taylor and Kale. A lifelong cat lover, Judy found joy in the companionship of her many feline friends through the years.

Preceded in death by her parents, Leland and Geraldine Meineke, Judy leaves behind her sons, Craig and Josh (wife Donna); her grandchildren, Kaitlyn, Taylor, and Kale; her sisters, Mary, Donna, and Diane; and many friends who will miss her deeply.

A gathering to celebrate Judy’s life will be hosted at Carson Celebration of Life Center on Wednesday, October 2, 2024, from 5-7 pm. Drinks and appetizers will be served, and all who knew Judy are invited to join in remembering her. No funeral services will be held.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, a Judy K. Hanken memorial fund has been established.

Judy’s love for her family, friends, PEO and animals will be remembered by those whose lives she touched.

Her family would like to recognize the excellent team of medical professionals on floor three of the Dubuque MercyOne Hospital. A caring and dedicated team of nurses and attendants helped make her time spent there as comfortable as possible.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.CarsonAndSon.com.