Judy Ann Van de Walker

On November 26, as the first snowflakes of winter fell, Judy took her last earthly breath on the sunporch of her family home in Ham Lake, Minnesota. She was born to Al and Marion Kliemann and raised in a rural country house in Ypsilanti, Michigan with her brother Larry and a collection of beloved farm cats.

She met her best friend and husband, Peter Van de Walker, at Roosevelt High School and were married for a blissful 56 years. She graduated from Michigan State University with a degree in interior design. Her love for design led her down a path to a successful career in real estate. She found joy in helping others find their perfect home, and never shied away from giving advice on how to create a comfortable and rewarding living space. The feeling of being “home” was everything to Judy, and she would do anything to help others find their own meaning of the word.

Judy always wanted to be a mom and raised three wonderful children, Steven (Dawn) Van de Walker, Jeffrey (Jennifer Ruhland) Van de Walker, and Christine (Stephen) Van de Walker Handy. She taught her children how to love, be curious, and remain positive through example. She was most proud that her children were amazing parents to her grandchildren, Carter Van de Walker, Reed Van de Walker, Peter Van de Walker and Arden Handy.

Judy was a fiercely loyal volunteer with organizations such as Bridging and her local libraries. She was a lifelong learner and an active member of The League of Women Voters and the American Association of University Women (AAUW).

Judy was a true creative soul and lived by the mantra that “art is everywhere”. Art enriched her life, and it nurtured her. She knew where to look for it, and it knew how to find her. She was not only a talented artist, but an unwavering art patron. She surrounded herself with original pieces ranging from textiles, jewelry, sculpture, paintings, and a collection of folk art and traditional cultural work from around the world. When an amazing pair of earrings presented themselves, she would have to make them her own. And although she loved to talk about the history of her collected pieces, she found the most joy in meeting and talking to the artists who made them.

Judy and Pete travelled extensively throughout the world to learn about other cultures and traditions first hand, often opting out of the comfort of a hotel for a tent or a traditional dirt floor. When Judy and Pete were not exploring a spice market or dancing around a fire in the desert, they would spend their time sailing. They would often sail by themselves in the Caribbean, New Zealand, and the Great Lakes (just to name a few). Over the last few years, they spent many memorable sailing trips with friends and family as well.

Above all, Judy was happy. Her infectious smile will be missed by everyone that was lucky enough to meet her. Thank you for being our wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. Life is meant to be enjoyed.

memorial service

Remembrance of Life

We plan to hold a memorial at Judy's home in Ham Lake later in the spring. More details will follow later.