Mrs. Judy Leonhardt Lowthian peacefully passed away on November 21st of 2020, in the 77th year of her life.

She was born on January 28, 1943, in Milbank, South Dakota, and was the daughter of Gene and Verna (Henstrandt) Leonhardt. Gene Leonhardt died aboard the USS St. Louis in October 1944, never able to meet his daughter. Her mother, Verna, went on to successfully raise Judy.

She graduated from Milbank High School, Augustana College in Sioux Falls, and with honors with an English degree from the University of South Dakota. Judy then became an outstanding educator in the Seattle area.

Judy raised three sons. Surviving is Tom, a lawyer in Colorado, Paul, an educator in Iowa, and Patrick, a U.S. Army Chaplain in Washington; six grandchildren and three great grandchildren. She was a devoted Mother, Lutheran, and Bears fan.

Judy resided in Galesburg, for the past 36 years. She was a realtor in town for more than 30 years and regularly worshiped at Trinity Lutheran Church in Galesburg.

Family members will hold a private gathering this Saturday at East Linwood Cemetery. Friends and parishioners may provide memorials, flowers, and prayers to Trinity Lutheran Church. Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Services are assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.p.com.