Judith “Judy” Pauline Kary, age 91, of Albert Lea, passed away peacefully in the comfort of her family on September 17, 2024.

Judith “Judy” Kary

Born on May 1, 1933, in a sod house on the family farm in Selby, South Dakota, Judy was a daughter of the late Philip and Frieda (Berreth) Rau. A 1951 graduate of Mobridge High School, Judy went on to obtain a degree as a Registered Nurse from St. Luke’s School of Nursing in Aberdeen South Dakota. On October 16, 1954, Judy married Richard “Dick” Kary on the United States Army base in Schweinfurt, Germany and from this union their four daughters were born. The married couple lived in Iowa and Kansas before settling in Albert Lea Minnesota in 1971.

Judy enjoyed helping others and was an active member of many service organizations including National T.T.T. Society, PEO, and the Hospital Auxiliary. She participated in more than one Bridge Club and loved being part of the neighborhood Book Club. Dick and Judy enjoyed traveling to Europe, Alaska, the Cayman Islands and Florida with friends and family. Judy was a devoted mother, grandmother and great-grandmother who was quick to share a good “dad joke” and was loved by all.

Judy is survived by daughters, Liz Guenther (Mark), Katherine Kary (Sandy), Laura (Tom) Smith, Sue Severson (Shane); grandchildren, Kristine (Alex) Trueman, Dustin (Julia) Guenther, Jarrad Smith, Ashley (Ryan) Smith-Mikkelson, Leah Smith, Emily Severson, Nick Severson; great-grandchildren, Ashton, Lily, Lincoln, Vaeda, Jaxon and Wells.

In addition to her parents, Philip and Frieda Rau, Judy was preceded in death by her husband of 68 years, Richard “Dick” Kary; brother, Howard Rau; and her beloved aunt, Esther Miles.

A funeral service will be held at 11:30AM on Tuesday, September 24, 2024, at the United Methodist Church of Albert Lea, with visitation beginning at 10:30AM. The service will be livestreamed.

Judy’s family would like to extend a special note of thanks to The Tuesday Night Group for their kindness and never wavering friendship. They would also like to express gratitude to the staff at the Woodlands of St. Johns and St. Croix Hospice who cared for Judy.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the United Methodist Church of Albert Lea or an organization of your choosing.