Obituary for Ronald Chester Judkins

Ronald Chester Judkins (Jud) departed this world peacefully, surrounded by family, on December 11, 2025, in Guttenberg, Iowa. He was born on June 9, 1935, in Albany, California, to Francis and Esther (Rhodes) Judkins. Jud lived a life marked by service, loyalty, humor, and a deep love for family and friends.

Jud received his education from a one-room schoolhouse, and he proudly served his country in the United States Air Force from September 3, 1956, until his honorable discharge on September 2, 1960.

Ron is survived by his devoted wife Patty; his children, Gail (David) Broxson, Gina Judkins (Troy Thein), Stephanie (Tracy) Radabaugh, Clifford (Lisa) Judkins, and Calvin Fredlake (Tonya Pierce); his grandchildren include Jeremy, Ronnie, Corey, Josie, Pheonix, Eli, Maddie, Carter, Alayna, Weston, Myles, Caden, and Macee; his 4 great-grandchildren; his 5 siblings; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Known for his dry wit and timeless one-liners, Jud had a way of making people laugh without ever trying too hard. He assured friends “I’ve been better, and I’ve been worse; I don’t need a doctor, and I don’t need a nurse,” and Jud’s humor was as dependable as it was unforgettable. 

He planted roots in Iowa in the late ’50s, where he started a family and was employed as a factory worker; he also worked at Tri-State Drilling in Oklahoma. In later years, he drove throughout the U.S. delivering trucks, and eventually, he volunteered driving for the VA shuttle.

Despite that sharp wit, Jud had a soft heart--especially when it came to family. He took great joy at the annual Judkins Weiner Roast, where dad jokes and food would get shared. Those gatherings were where Jud’s smile shined brightest, surrounded by the people he loved most.

Jud was an outdoorsman through and through. His love of hunting and fishing inspired his sons Ron and CJ to follow in his footsteps; he was an avid deer hunter--and a legendary seeker of morel mushrooms--always warning his daughter Gail to be quiet so that she wouldn’t “scare them away.” He could often be found enjoying a cold one under the carport, sharing stories with friends and family. He was proud to be a Dale-Earnhardt-supporting, bluegill-from-the-secret-spot catching, bean-bag-board building, and tornado-surviving Papa Bear--a true man of legend in his own right.

His presence was steady, his laughter contagious, and his love unwavering. 

Jud leaves behind a family who will forever cherish his stories, his sayings, and the many memories made. His legacy lives on in the laughter he sparked, the traditions he loved, and the quiet strength he passed down.