Funeral services for Judith K. Raatz, 72, of Albert Lea will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at Bayview/Freeborn Funeral Home. The Rev. Kaleb Hurley will officiate. Interment will be at Hillcrest Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday at Bayview/Freeborn Funeral Home and one hour prior to the service at the funeral home Saturday. Online condolences are welcome at www.bayviewfuneral.com.

The Lord took Judy home Monday, April 29, 2019.

Judith Kaye Raatz was born April 26, 1947, in Albert Lea, the daughter of Robert “Bud” and Hazel (Bush) Nelsen. She grew up in the Myrtle-Albert Lea area, graduating from Albert Lea High School. She went on to earn her bachelor’s degree in social work from Mankato State University.

On July 1, 1972, Judy was united in marriage to William Allen Raatz at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Myrtle. Judy worked as a stylist at J.C. Penny’s salon and later as a social worker for Elm Homes. She enjoyed scrapbooking, traveling, camping, cooking and baking. Judy loved spending time with family, especially camping trips with her kids and grandkids.

Judy was a strong Christian who loved the Lord and that love permeated everything she did. She was involved in children’s ministry and SPIRE ministry for the mentally handicapped. Judy has left a legacy of love for the Lord that lives on in her sons and daughters-in-law and their children, many of whom actively serve in the local church and overseas missions. Judy will be sorely missed by all who knew her, but they have a hope that all those who know Jesus Christ as Lord share and that is they will see her again in heaven. It is not goodbye but see you later.

Judy is survived by her husband, William; son, Nathan (Juana) Raatz, and their children Dominick, Delaney, Natania, Natalie, Noah, Nehemiah and Natessa; son, Timothy (Holly) Raatz and their children Colleen (Rickon), Gabrielle, Lana, Eli, Michael, Jordan and Hannah; son, Paul (April) Raatz, and their children Avery and Lillian; son, Aaron (Jessica) Raatz; siblings Gene (Linda) Nelsen, Mary Anne (Karl) Rollar and Scott Nelsen; brothers and sisters-in-law Barry Raatz, Suzanne (Bruce) Mckee and Penny Joecks; nieces and nephews and many others who loved her very much.

Judy was preceded in death by her parents Robert and Hazel; brother, Brian (Denise) Nelsen; and mother and father-in-law Lucille and Carl Raatz.