Judith "Judy" Mae Koenigs

Judith “Judy” Mae Koenigs, age 84 of Eagle Lake, passed away peacefully on November 24, 2024 at Pathstone Landing, Mankato.

Judy was born September 5, 1940, in Mankato, MN to Russel and Ruth (Ward) Jovaag. She grew up in West Mankato and spent her youth with her sister, Joan, climbing trees, learning and teaching ballet, visiting Sibley Park, and playing with her dog, Tizzy. She graduated from Mankato High School in 1958, and worked at nearby Honeymead as an executive assistant, where she learned valuable skills and gained lifelong friends.

Judy met Bernie (Koenigs) in 1964 and married on June 19, 1965 at SSPP Catholic Church in Mankato. They moved to Eagle Lake later that year and quickly built a family. Judy cherished her time at home with the children. Along with guidance and correction, she was always up for a game or activity – whether a board game, card game, a tea party, or a game of baseball in the front yard, Judy gave her time and love in abundance. Many nights ended with a prayer and song; Bernie playing his guitar and singing the melody, Judy accompanying with her comforting harmony. She also enjoyed tending the garden, watching soap operas, and listening to all sorts of music, from John Denver, to the Beatles, and Neil Diamond.

Judy was active at church, choir, various clubs and causes, and offered invaluable behind the scenes support for Bernie while he was City Clerk. As the children grew older, Judy returned to work as the school lunch coordinator at SSPP where she endeared herself to many students. After the children graduated she took up the family business as a consultant, bookkeeper, and, in her words, “whatever else needs to be done” at the BK Hair Studio. Her enterprising nature called her to start a home business selling Shaklee products and later becoming a master gardener for the City of Eagle Lake.

Judy is survived by children: Michael (Vivian), Ellen, Richard (Joleen), and Joel (Rose); grandchildren: Zakary, Jacob, Sydney, Gabriella, Kaelyn, Tyler, Russell, Simon, Sydney, Kyle, Jemma, Owen, and Brendan; sisters-in-laws: Aggie Theobald, Genie Detviler, Geri (Roger) Fischer, and Eileen (Marvin) Koenigs, and many nieces and nephews. 

Preceded in death by her husband, Bernie; sister, Joan; and parents Ruth and Russell.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30am Thursday, December 12th, 2024 at All Saints Catholic Church, Madison Lake. Visitation will be 4:00-7:00pm Wednesday, December 11th at Northview- North Mankato Mortuary. Visitation will also continue one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will be at Calvary Cemetery, Mankato.