Judy Christine Shogren

Judy Christine Shogren (Denekamp), aged 72, of Goodyear, passed away on March 14, 2025. She was born on September 23, 1952, in Canby, Minnesota, to the late John and Esther Denekamp. Along with her parents, Judy’s passing was preceded by her ex-husband, David Stenmoe, and nephew, David Denekamp, Jr.

Judy is survived by her devoted husband, Paul Shogren, and her beloved children: Michelle “Mikki” Detwiler and Jonathan Stenmoe. She is also survived by the wonderful children she obtained through her union with Paul: Andrea (Austin) Hanson, Lucas (Stephanie) Shogren, Danielle (Drew) Mahar, and Zachary (Anna) Shogren, as well as the 16 wonderful grandchildren they provided: Haley, Ethan, Hudson, Hannah, Hadley, Harper, Caleb, Blake, Reese, Raegan, Beckett, Brody, Blaine, Berge, Abe, and Ruth. Additionally, she is survived by her siblings: brothers Don Denekamp (sister-in-law Janelle Denekamp) and David Denekamp (sister-in-law Judy Denekamp); her sister, Darlene Evans (deceased, brother-in-law Bruce Evans); her sisters-in-law Deb, Jan, Cindy, and Lisa; and a host of nieces, nephews, and other extended family and friends.

Judy and Paul’s love story began 1,800 miles apart, brought together through a mutual friend. Judy was working in Arizona at the time, whereas Paul was in Minnesota. But distance only made the heart grow fonder, and it brought Judy and Paul closer together. There was no amount of space that could keep the sparks from flying, helping their friendship blossom into long-distance love and eventually into holy matrimony in November of 2008. After marriage, they relocated to Minnesota for a time to work in Paul’s chiropractic office before retiring back to the Arizona sunsets where they originally met. In these later years, Judy was a fond member of The Refinery Church in Goodyear and was also known as a “Moosette” at the local Moose Lodge, also located in Goodyear.

Whether she was quilting in the peacefulness of home, golfing outdoors in the pleasant weather, going on girls’ trips somewhere in the world, or spending time with her family, Judy’s heart was always full. One of her proudest moments was traveling through Italy as one of the “3 Amigos” with friends Deb Hudson, Michele Bogan, and a few other close friends. Another proud moment was hiking 17 miles of the Grand Canyon with her friend, Sue Coleman, in a single day. Whether she traveled near or far, Judy always found beauty in the world and shared that beauty with others. Her love for her family, her community, and her hobbies knew no bounds. Family and friends would say Judy was the best mother, nana, and a wonderful friend.

As we celebrate her life, we are reminded to cherish every moment, lend a hand to those in need, and always find joy in the company of loved ones.