Judith Ione DeTellem

Judith Ione DeTellem, 83, of DeWitt, Iowa, passed peacefully on August 19 2023 at her daughter’s home, surrounded by her loving family, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Judith Ione Ruggeburg was born September 15, 1939, to Harold and Lois (Allison) Ruggeburg, in a house at the bottom of Seven Day Hill in Welton, Iowa. Judith, better known as Judy, grew up on the family farm helping with chores and learning lessons she would carry through life. Judy went to Welton schools and graduated as Valedictorian in 1958. While in school, she played softball and six on six basketball as a guard and served as a representative of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR). After graduation, Judy went on to work at Dewitt Bank & Trust as a bookkeeper until 1961. Judy married Larry Wulf at Grace Lutheran Church in DeWitt on October 14th, 1961. While married, they lived in Killeen, TX (Fort Hood), Mason City, IA, and Urbandale, IA. They had two children together before divorcing in 1979. Judy moved back to DeWitt in 1979 with her children. It is there that she watched her children grow. Judy loved to be with family, especially her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren sharing with every generation her love of music, dancing, and basketball. Judy enjoyed going to dances at Fairyland Ballroom, Col Ballroom in Davenport, Oxford Junction, and Walcott. You could frequently find Judy enjoying happy hour at MJ's Tap in DeWitt surrounded by friends, laughter, and a cold beer.

Judy is survived by her children, Rebecca Kay (Jay) Neudecker and Nancy Irene (Tom) Wulf; her grandchildren, Dylan (Bailey) McDevitt, Allison (Dylan) Welsch, Lukas Buhler, Owen Buhler, and Miranda Buhler; her great-grandchildren, William McDevitt and Houston Welsch; her siblings, Carol (Wiliam) Smith and Alan (Monica) Ruggeburg; and her loving step-son John Charles DeTellem. She is preceded in death by her parents Harold and Lois Ruggeburg and her sister Patricia Traver.

There will be a private graveside service at Oakview Cemetery in Welton. A celebration of life will be held Saturday, September 16, 2023, at MJs Tap for family and friends. The family asks that any donations be given to the DeWitt Referral Center.

Arrangements are in the care of Schultz Funeral Home, DeWitt. Condolences may be expressed at www.schultzfuneralhomes.com

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