Judith Janssen
RONAN - Judith Ann Radke Janssen, was born on June 10, 1947, in Sidney, the first child of Julia and Clint Radke. Judy passed away suddenly on Nov.18, 2024, in Missoula.
Judy grew up in Sidney attending Sidney schools. While she was much older than many of her siblings, she loved all five of them and spoke fondly of her childhood and the time she spent growing up there. One memorable event from Judy’s childhood is that she fell off the football bleachers when she was very young and broke her neck. Her brothers and sisters still remember that story! She loved both her parents and missed them dearly after they passed on.
Soon after high school, she met Charles Erps and they were married, and she followed him into military life. From that union, her two children were born, first Rick, and a few years later, Julie. While the marriage didn’t work, she would tell you that her greatest joys in life came out of that time, and she would spend her entire life forever devoted to her children, and eventually, her grandchildren.
After her divorce, Judy took her two small children and moved to Glasgow, a place that her and her family called home for many years. During that time, Judy worked at Smith Clinic as a secretary, and then started her career with the State of Montana Welfare Office. She was a devoted employee and loved the people she worked with, both in Glasgow, and later in Kalispell.
While in Glasgow, she met and married Gary Lagerquist, who became a devoted father to both Rick and Julie. While they were only married for five years, Judy and Gary remained close friends until his passing. Judy had many lifelong friends from her time spent in Glasgow, many of whom she was in touch with until she passed. If you were one of them, thank you.
After her children left Glasgow and settled into their own lives, Judy realized that she wanted to be closer to her daughter, so in 1993 she packed her bags and moved to Kalispell to do just that. In 1994, her first grandson, Jake, was born, and she was so in love with him. Soon after, Brycen, Jenna, Kingsley, Kennedy, Karrington and Kallahan rounded out her dear grandchildren. She loved them all dearly and became Grandma Montana to her Texas girls. While she didn’t see them as often as she wished, her heart was always with them.
In 1992, Judy met Richard Janssen, and within a few years they were married. Richard and Judy made their life in Ronan, and while they could drive each other crazy at times, they were devoted to and loved each other and their dogs (Judy’s love of dogs almost matched her love of grandchildren!!) for 26 years. Judy loved her time in Ronan, and especially loved her dear church at Sacred Heart Parish. Judy’s Catholic faith was very important to her especially later in life.
Richard will miss Judy, and his love for her will continue to grow.
Judy is preceded in death by her grandparents, Mike and Anna Elko; parents, Clint and Julia; her sister, Debbie; and numerous aunts and uncles; her niece Ann Watson Haugen; and her adored grandson, Jacob.
She is survived by her husband of 26 years, Richard; brother, Steve (Kathleen) Radke; brother, Mike (Laurie) Radke; sister, Pam (Terry) Watson; sister, Connie (Duane) Sebastian; son, Rick (Catalina) Erps; daughter, Julie Janssen (Rich); Richard’s children Kimberly (Christopher & Julian), and Jesse (Jayce & Matiya), grandchildren, Brycen (Richard & Bridger), Jenna (Austin), Kingsley, Kennedy, Karrington, and Kallahan; aunt Marie Tulock; and numerous nieces, nephews and extended family members.
The family would like to thank The Lake Funeral Home for the arrangements, as well as those that contacted us with messages of love for our wife and mother. She will be missed.
Services have been held. Memories and condolences may be sent to the family at: www.lakefuneralhomeandcremation.com or www.shriderthompson.com. Arrangements are under the care of The Lake Funeral Home and Crematory.
