Judith Ann Stevens

Judith Ann “Judy” (Leritz) Stevens passed away peacefully in her flower-filled home surrounded by family and loved ones on April 2, 2017 in Wadena, MN at the age of 63. Judy was born March 1, 1954 in Wadena, MN to Mathias “Matt” and Lorraine (French) Leritz. She was the oldest of 6 children, and spent her school years in the Midway area. She graduated from Frazee High School in 1972. After working at the Swift turkey plants in Frazee and Detroit Lakes for several years, Judy went back to school and graduated from the Bio-med Technician program in Detroit Lakes and worked in that field until she was injured in a car accident. She then worked at RDO in Park Rapids until several health issues forced her to take an early retirement. She will be remembered as a loving and compassionate mother to two sons, James Crook (b.1973) and Garry Crook (b.1976), as well as to her precious daughter, Anna (Stevens) Fratzke (b. 1980). Judy was immensely proud of and loved her 8 grandchildren immensely, and would brag to anyone who would listen about their accomplishments. Judy enjoyed travel, gardening, fishing and hunting, reading, and crossword puzzles, as well as arts and crafts and crocheting. You would often see her in the summer with a Twins game on the radio while she was crocheting an afghan for her latest grandchild, niece, or nephew. She will always be remembered for her dazzling smile, infectious laugh, and wonderful sense of humor. Judy is survived by her mother, Lorraine Leritz, Wadena; son, James (Sarah) Crook, Menahga; daughter Anna (Stevens) Fratzke, Wadena; grandchildren, Shalom, Bailey, Brandon, Jaden, Vanessa, Jordon, Abigail, and Mathias; brothers David, Arnie, Tim and Steve Leritz, all of Menahga, and a sister, Sheila, of Wadena; ex-husband/great friend Calvin Stevens, Frazee. She was preceded in death by her father, Matt Leritz; her son, Garry; and long-time traveling partner and special friend, Clyde Makela. A memorial service is scheduled for April 8, 2017, 1:00 pm at the Menahga Assembly of God in Menahga, MN, with visitation one hour prior to the service and a luncheon to follow at the Menahga VFW. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Judy’s life.