Judith "Judy" Carol Gantner

Judith “Judy” Carol Gantner, 76, passed away on April 7, 2021 in Franktown, Colorado. Born on March 29, 1945 to Harold and Elsie (Stanger) Johnson in Ord, Nebraska, Judy was raised in Nebraska—she was a farm girl. She attended and graduated from the Lincoln General Hospital of Nursing in 1966. Later, Judy came to Denver, where she met and married her husband, James Gantner in May of 1973.

Judy spent her life as a nurse, working at several hospitals, some of which included Presbyterian St. Luke’s in Denver, the old Mercy Hospital, and Aurora Presbyterian. Judy finished her career while working at Crown Point Surgery Center in Parker. Through her career as a nurse, she was blessed to make several close friends.

Judy and Jim spent time traveling together, taking their yearly vacation to Cabo San Lucas and several trips with family to Kauai. Judy especially loved visiting her Las Vegas friends, golfing with Rod and Kyuhee Isler and being pampered by the “partiers”, Bill and Sherry Yunker.

Judy led an active life, golfing as a member of the Aurora Hills Women’s Golf Club, enjoying Broncos season tickets for many years, hiking, and biking. She was part of a Bunco group, and took pleasure in gardening and caring for her flowers at their property in Franktown. One of Judy’s favorite traditions was to decorate the entire house depending on the holiday. Her favorite was Thanksgiving. For over thirty years she prepared dinner for family and friends. Good friends, the Wernke family, have attended every year.

Judy is survived by her husband, James Gantner of Franktown, CO; her son, Matthew (Julie) Gantner of Rio Rancho, NM; her grandchildren, Lucas, Emma, Megan, and Mathias; and her two brothers, Ronald Johnson of Columbus, NE; and Gerald (Arlene) Johnson of Elba, NE.

The family would like to sincerely thank those that took such great care of Judy with their friendship and compassion. Kathy Albright who helped set up hospice and gave so much of her time to be with Judy. Golf buddy Cathy Clifton, Sandy Collins with her delicious baked goods, close friend and fellow nurse Jolena Mackie, and dear friends Pam Cummings, Deb Lopez, and Jan Wernke, and niece Pauline Davis. These ladies and their devotion meant the world to Judy and Jim. A special thanks also to RN Case Manager Jamie Hunt and Bristol Hospice for their dedication and care.

A private Celebration of Life will be held in honor of Judy. Memorial donations may be made to any of the following: Paralyzed Veterans of America, American Cancer Society, or Dumb Friends League.