Judith "Judy" Ann Hansen

Judith "Judy" Ann (Baumgartner) Hansen, 81, entered her eternal paradise on Wednesday, July 8, 2026. Born to Susan (Hafner) and Ambrose Baumgartner, Judy was the second of fourteen children. She grew up on the family farm in Bush Valley, rural La Crescent, where she learned the values of hard work and the importance of family—qualities that would define her for the rest of her life.

On July 29, 1967, Judy married the love of her life, Harold R. Hansen. Together they built a home filled with laughter, love, and open doors. Judy lovingly embraced Harold's four children, Gayle, Ken, Vickie, and Kevin (Kub), as her own, later welcoming their son, Tom. Their years together in La Crescent were filled with family gatherings, shared traditions, and treasured moments that will live on in the hearts of those who knew them.

Throughout her life, Judy dedicated herself to caring for others. She worked as a housekeeper, a childcare provider, and eventually found her perfect calling as a school lunch lady at La Crescent High School. More than simply serving meals, Judy served smiles, encouragement, and genuine kindness. Students looked forward to seeing her each day.

Judy's greatest gift was her heart. She possessed an infectious smile, an outgoing personality, and a remarkable ability to make everyone feel welcome. To Judy, no one was ever a stranger—only a friend she hadn't met yet. Whether sharing a conversation, offering a helping hand, or making someone laugh, she had a way of leaving people feeling better than when they arrived. She had a big love for dogs, especially her dearly missed Max.

Judy was preceded in death by her husband, Harry in 1992, her parents, stepson & daughter-in-law, Kub & Georgeanne Hansen, granddaughter Kaitlyn Hansen, brothers, Bernie & Kenny, brothers-in-law, Jim Ritter & Mike Albrecht & nephew Adam Baumgartner.

Judy’s light will continue to shine through her son, Tom, stepchildren, Gayle (Peggy), Ken (John) & Vickie (Tom), her grandchildren, Jennifer (Larry), Andy (Ellie), Cody, Keith (Abbie), Katy (Jimmy) & Joe (Christina), and seven great-grandchildren. Judy is further survived by her siblings, Goddaughter Sue (Rick) Troke, Fern (Bobby) Ritter, Rose Albrecht, Sharon (Ron) VonArx, Howie (Margo), Frank (Faye), Dave (Rose), Bob (Joyce), Jerry (Pam), Glen (Becky) & Nick (Cyndy) Baumgartner, sister-in-law, Chris Bray and many nieces, nephews, and her special friends, Rhonda Blum & Duane Lewandowski.

Judy will be deeply missed by her family, friends, neighbors, former coworkers, and the many lives she touched.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, July 13, 2026 at 11:00 AM at La Crescent United Methodist Church. Pastor Chris Leistra will officiate. Burial will be in the Prospect Hill Cemetery, La Crescent. Friends may call at the church on Sunday from 3:00 – 6:00 PM, and again on Monday from 10:00 AM until the time of services. Online guestbook is available at www.schumacher-kish.com.

The family would like to thank La Crescent Nursing Home and all their wonderful staff that took care of Judy during her time there.