Judith Ann Nelson

Judith "Judy" Nelson, 86, of Urbandale, Iowa, passed away on Saturday, October 24, 2026.

Judy was born on October 6, 1940, in Clarion, Iowa, to John "JB" and Ellen McHale. She was lovingly raised by her aunt and uncle, Loretta and Bert Tillman. Judy grew up in Clarion and graduated from Clarion High School in 1958.

On June 25, 1960, Judy married Donald Nelson. Together, they built a life filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories.

Judy began her career as a telephone operator before she graduated from high school with a telephone company, where she would dedicate more than four decades of her life before retiring in 2002. Throughout her career, her intelligence, hard work, and determination led her to advance into increasingly higher positions. Her family often joked that, with all her knowledge and technical abilities, she was practically a computer engineer.

Judy was an incredibly intelligent woman with a sharp mind and a personality all her own. She was never afraid to speak her mind, and those who knew her could always count on her to say exactly what she was thinking. She enjoyed keeping her mind active by working on word searches.

In her free time, Judy enjoyed all things Disney and had a love for jewelry. She also had a special place in her heart for animals, especially her cats. These were just a few of the things that brought her happiness throughout her life.

Those left to cherish Judy's memory include her children, Denise (John) Chroninger, Danielle Warstler, and Jeremy (Shannon) Nelson; grandchildren, Gabrielle Warstler, Caleb (Bailey) Nelson, and Savannah Nelson; great grandchild, Ryker Nelson; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Judy is preceded in death by her parents, John and Ellen McHale; siblings, Philip McHale, Mary McHale, Gloria McHale, Emmet McHale, Eleanor Winkelman, John McHale, and Leone McHale; aunt and uncle, Loretta and Bert Tillman; and son in law, Brian Warstler.

A Funeral Mass will be held at St. John's Catholic Church (608 2nd Ave NE, Clarion, IA 50525) on Saturday, October 31, 2026 at 10:30am with a visitation one hour prior. Burial will be held at St. John's Cemetery in Clarion, IA following the Funeral Mass.