Judith Fay Onken

Judith (Judy) Fay Onken passed away peacefully at home on April 25, 2024 at the age of 94. Judy was the third of six children of Emery and Minnie Chapman. She graduated from Lake Wilson High School and attended business school in Mankato, MN. She met her beloved husband, Gerald (Jiggs), at a high school basketball game. They were married at the military chapel in Cheyenne, Wyoming in 1949, and relocated with the Air Force many times during their 26 years of service, including bases in Ohio, Germany, Virginia, Guam, and Nebraska.

Judy worked for Bellevue Public Schools till her retirement in 1992. She modeled a life of service, whether it was volunteering for the Red Cross, baking apple pies for Fontenelle Forest fundraisers, sewing quilts for those in need, or participating in many committees at Pilgrim Lutheran Church. Judy cherished her dear friends through Marriage Encounter, bridge club, gourmet club, and birthday club. She and Jiggs traveled the world, but they also loved the simple joys of camping, exploring national parks, and visiting family. When Jiggs passed away, after 52 years of marriage, Judy became a member of the community at Richmont for the next 19 years. Always a “social” person, Judy was an ambassador for newcomers, a lover of musical events, and an avid fan of sports (especially the Nebraska Cornhuskers).

Judy was preceded in death by her husband Gerald (Jiggs) Onken; infant sons Gary & Gerald; daughter Joni Stults; parents Emery & Minnie Chapman; 2 brothers; and 3 sisters.

She is survived by her children Jill Gollup (Howard) of Milwaukee, Jeff Onken of Colorado Springs; Jerry Onken (Kari) of Omaha; and son-in-law Cliff Stults of Denver. She was blessed with 12 grandchildren: Tim (Andrea), Andrew (Kathlyn), Alex (Samantha), Nick (Katie), Justin (Courtney), Rachel, Dustin, Anthony (Andrea), Sammy Jo, Jay, McKenna, and Ryan; and 24 great grandchildren.

May Judy’s legacy of love, courage, and faith inspire us to embrace life to the fullest!

Visitation: Friday, May 24, 5:00 ~ 7:00 p.m., Bellevue Memorial Funeral Chapel.

Memorial Service: Saturday, May 25, 10:00 a.m., Bellevue Memorial Funeral Chapel.

To view a live broadcast of the service, go to the website below, and click the link below.

https://boxcast.tv/view/judith-judy-fay-onken-dmldg9gzsjfuhbkwuady

Memorials suggested to Hillcrest Hospice and Bellevue Public Schools Foundation.