Judith Ann (Postlewaite) Markert, 89, was born on August 8th, 1933, in St Paul, MN to Russell and Helen (Karpen) Postlewaite.

Judith died on May 24th, 2023, after a lengthy hospice journey, at her home at The Waters of White Bear Lake.

Judy is preceded in death by her parents, her husband of 64 years, Dave; sister Joan; brother Jim; and many beloved in-laws.  She is survived by children: Therese, Amy (Scott Alexander), Tom (Sue), Sara, Andy, and Matt; grandchildren Morgan, Andy, and Alex; great-grandchild Athan; Family members: Jack (Lois) Postlewaite, Janet Sands, Pat Postlewaite, brother Jeff (Evalyn) and a large extended family.

As the oldest of 6 children, Judy took on caregiver duties early in life, when her father, Russell, passed away in 1945. Her mother, Helen, was hospitalized at the time of Russell’s death and experienced an extended convalescence until her death in 1952. Judy kept the family together while caring for her mother and attending middle school and high school. Judy graduated from St Joseph’s Academy in St Paul, MN in 1951 and continued her role as guardian to her younger siblings while working for the IRS.

Judy & Dave met on a blind date, attending a H.S. basketball game between arch-rivals Cretin (Judy’s favored team), and St Thomas Academy (Dave’s alma mater). Despite the basketball rivalry, Judy & Dave hit it off and were married on September 8, 1956.

They started their family in Gary, IN, moved to St Croix Falls, WI, and then settled in Centuria, WI where they lived for 50 years prior to moving to White Bear Lake in 2017.

In addition to the heroic feat of raising her own 6 children, Judy volunteered with Polk County Special Olympics, Unity Community Ed, and worked at the local polling place during elections. Judy & Dave were ardent fans of the Minnesota Vikings and spent many seasons enjoying football games in the Twin Cities (while enduring constant good-natured ribbing from all the Green Bay Packers fans in WI).

Summers were spent at Gull Lake in Nisswa, MN with relatives and friends.

Judy’s family and friends will miss her gregarious and gracious personality, infectious laugh, and friendly smile. She was a gifted conversationalist, made friends easily, and loved to talk to people and learn all about them. Judy was a great communicator who kept in touch with a wide circle of family and friends, staying up to date on all their important milestones, triumphs, and tribulations.

A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on June 6th at 11 am at Our Lady of the Lakes Catholic Church in Balsam Lake, WI. Visitation begins at 10 am. Please join the family for lunch in the church hall after the service. Interment of both Dave & Judy’s ashes at the parish cemetery will follow the luncheon.

Memorial donations can be made to any of the following organizations that were meaningful to Judy: Our Lady of the Lakes Catholic Church in Balsam Lake, Church of St Pius X in White Bear Lake, Interfaith Caregivers of Polk County, Polk County Special Olympics, Endeavors Adult Development Center Inc, Gentiva Foundation (Hospice).

The Kolstad Family Funeral Home of Centuria has been entrusted with arrangements.

Last Update: May 30, 2023 3:45 pm CDT