Ronald Chester Judkins “Jud” departed this world peacefully, surrounded by family, on Dec. 11, 2025, in Guttenberg.
A funeral service will be held at a later time to honor Jud’s life and the legacy he leaves behind. The family wishes to invite all who knew him to join in celebrating his remarkable journey. Details on these arrangements will be shared at a later date.
Jud was born on June 9, 1935, in Albany, Calif., to Francis and Esther (Rhodes) Judkins. Jud lived a life marked by service, loyalty, humor, and a deep love for family and friends.
Jud received his education from a one-room schoolhouse, and he proudly served his country in the United States Air Force from Sept. 3, 1956, until his honorable discharge on Sept. 2, 1960.
Ron is survived by his devoted wife, Patty; his children, Gail (David) Broxson, Gina Judkins (Troy Thein), Stephanie (Tracy) Radabaugh, Clifford (Lisa) Judkins, and Calvin Fredlake (Tonya Pierce); his grandchildren, Jeremy, Ronnie, Corey, Josie, Pheonix, Eli, Maddie, Carter, Alayna, Weston, Myles, Caden, and Macee; his four great-grandchildren; his five siblings; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Known for his dry wit and timeless one-liners, Jud had a way of making people laugh without ever trying too hard. He assured friends “I’ve been better, and I’ve been worse; I don’t need a doctor, and I don’t need a nurse,” and Jud’s humor was as dependable as it was unforgettable.
He planted roots in Iowa in the late ‘50s, where he started a family and was employed as a factory worker; he also worked at Tri-State Drilling in Oklahoma. In later years, he drove throughout the U.S. delivering trucks, and eventually, he volunteered driving for the VA shuttle.
Despite that sharp wit, Jud had a soft heart--especially when it came to family. He took great joy at the annual Judkins Weiner Roast, where dad jokes and food would get shared. Those gatherings were where Jud’s smile shined brightest, surrounded by the people he loved most.
Jud was an outdoorsman through and through. His love of hunting and fishing inspired his sons, Ron and CJ to follow in his footsteps; he was an avid deer hunter--and a legendary seeker of morel mushrooms--always warning his daughter Gail to be quiet so that she wouldn’t “scare them away.” He could often be found enjoying a cold one under the carport, sharing stories with friends and family. He was proud to be a Dale-Earnhardt-supporting, bluegill-from-the-secret-spot catching, bean-bag-board building, and tornado-surviving Papa Bear--a true man of legend in his own right.
His presence was steady, his laughter contagious, and his love unwavering.
Jud leaves behind a family who will forever cherish his stories, his sayings, and the many memories made. His legacy lives on in the laughter he sparked, the traditions he loved, and the quiet strength he passed down.
He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered. Toodaloo.
