Judy Wilson

Judy Wilson, age 85, of Marshalltown, passed away late Sunday night, September 6th, at the University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics.

Per her wishes, no formal services will be held. She will be laid to rest in the Iowa River Church of the Brethren Cemetery. For those wishing to express condolences through cards or floral gifts, please have them sent to the funeral home for the family. Mitchell Family Funeral Home is caring for Judy and her family. Ph. 641-844-1234.

Born Judy Essen on September 7th, 1940, she was the daughter of Darrell and Arlene (Bleeker) Essen. She grew up in Grundy Center and received her education in the Grundy Center Schools.

While attending a dance in Marshalltown at the Forest Park Ballroom, she met a handsome young man by the name of Herb Wilson. He would tell you their relationship was identical to the production “Grease.” On her 19th birthday, the young couple was married in her hometown and the rest is history.

Marshalltown was home where they raised three wonderful children. Judy retired from Packaging Corporation of America and enjoyed time visiting friends, Facebook, fishing, camping, gardening, her cats, and trips to the casino. Any of those were good times but they became great times when she did them with Herb.

Left to cherish her memory are Herb, her loving husband of 66/67 years (she passed away minutes before her birthday/anniversary), her children: Herbie (Deb) Wilson of Marshalltown, Angela (Tom) Barden of Waterville, MN and Pamela Wilson of Liscomb; six grandchildren; several great-grandchildren, her sister Janet Dixon and sister-in-law Sheri Essen as well as other family and friends.

In death, Judy rejoined her parents, her brother Darrell Dean Essen and brother-in-law Don Dixon.