Judy Thode

Judy Kay Thode, age 84, of Cedar Falls, passed away Monday, April 13, 2026, at Western Home Communities, Thuesen Cottage. She was born March 5, 1942, in Waterloo, Iowa, the daughter of Max and Virginia (Chamberlin) Tullis. Judy graduated from Cedar Falls High School in the class of 1960. Following high school, Judy went on to Iowa State Teachers College. On February 27, 1965, she was united in marriage to Dennis Thode at First Baptist Church in Cedar Falls. He preceded her in death on April 2, 1999. Judy worked at the Black Hawk County Courthouse, Dick Walters Ford, Larry Lange Ford, and various preschools. She retired from Blessed Beginnings Nazareth Preschool and Nazareth Learning Center in 2001. She was a member of First Baptist/Prairie Lakes Church where she volunteered in various positions over the years. Judy enjoyed attending UNI football and basketball games, Gallagher Bluedorn productions, working with the food bank, and attending her grandchildren’s activities. She enjoyed weekly coffee gatherings with her neighbors and dinners out with her school girls. Judy moved to the Western Home in January 2025. While there, she was actively involved in the daily activities. She enjoyed watching any Iowa team play football and basketball. She also enjoyed watching Chicago Cubs baseball. Judy would talk highly of her new friends she made at the Western Home. She loved the staff who cared for her and was very fond of them. Judy’s children and grandchildren were her life, who she dearly loved, treasured, and prayed for every day. What brought Judy the most joy in her life was her faith, family, and especially her children and grandchildren. Judy lived a life of quiet selflessness, constantly putting the needs of others before her own. She was thoughtful, patient, a devoted parent, grandparent, and friend. Her warmth and compassion touched everyone who knew her. Her faith was the foundation of her life. Those who knew her saw her faith in action – her gentle spirit, generosity, and the way she loved others. She was a loving mother, grandmother, friend, and will be dearly missed. Judy is survived by: her son, Dan (Aimee) Thode of Urbandale, IA; her daughter, Wendy (Brad) White of Cedar Falls; grandchildren, Lydia (Josiah) Stearns of San Antonio, Tx, Michael White of Cedar Falls, Jeremy Thode of Urbandale, and Allison White of Tampa, FL; her great-grandson, Joshua Stearns, and her sister, Mary (Dean) Willms of Rockton, IL. She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Dennis Thode. Private graveside services will be held at Waterloo Memorial Park Cemetery in Waterloo, Iowa. Memorials may be directed to UnityPoint Hospice or Cedar Ridge Christian School.

Judy Thode

March 5, 1942 - April 13, 2026