Judi Alexander, 80, of LaSalle, was called home to our Lord on Thursday, January 14, 2021 at North Colorado Medical Center in Greeley, Colorado. Judi was born August 24, 1940 in Harlan, Iowa, to Arthur and Anne Christensen. She married Roger Alexander in Audubon, Iowa on August 19, 1962. Roger, the love of her life, passed away in 2015.
Judi grew up in rural Iowa, where she learned the values of family, hard work and community. She carried those principles to Colorado when she enrolled at Colorado State College (UNC) in 1958. She met Roger at a college event where they instantly fell in love.
Judi graduated with a degree in Elementary Education in 1962 and received her first teaching position at an urban school located in east St. Louis. While Roger attended Dental school at St. Louis University, she worked tirelessly to support their growing family. They may not have had much, but they had each other.
After Roger graduated, they moved to La Salle and opened the first dental practice in town. Judi managed the office and was known for accepting payments in the form of chickens and baked goods. They moved to the family farm in 1969, where she resided until her death.
The farm was her joy. She worked meticulously in her garden hacking down weeds and planting beautiful flowers. Occasionally she would stay outside in her garden past dark forcing her son, Mike, to hide the shovel. She will be remembered for her famous homemade rhubarb jam and dill pickles.
Judi was passionate about the sustainability of the land. She would attend water rights meetings sitting in the front row so she was able to ask her list of questions. Her daughter, Christine, mentioned she was on the phone with this group the week prior to her death. Judi said, “We need to reserve this way of life, even if we have to fight for it.”
Judi cared for people unconditionally, regardless of race or status. She dedicated herself to her family, friends, and community. Judi was a charter member of Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church in La Salle. She helped raise money for a new building on the west side of town making and selling noodles and butter balls with her fellow parishioners. She spent most of her life supporting the Valley School District and its students until she could no longer attend events or serve on committees. Judi was very proud of her community and its residents.
Judi loved to be around her family and friends. Her grandchildren were her “special gift”. She taught them how to play in the ditch, catch tadpoles, and burn huge piles of weeds. She also instilled a work ethic and love for everything Danish. One of her famous dishes was big pancakes. She made thousands of them for her family and friends throughout the years. She always said you can never rush big pancakes, so it was a special time to visit with those around the table. One thing was certain – no one ever went hungry at grandma’s house.
Judi is survived by her son, Michael Alexander; daughter Chris (Jerry) Joseph; brothers Neil (Janelle) Christensen, Ronnie (Barb) Christensen, Gary (Janice) Christensen, Randy (Elizabeth) Christensen and sister-in-law Peggy Christensen; grandchildren Jordan (Lani) Ingram, Nia Ingram, Janay (Edson) Ingram, Jordan Adams, Blake Alexander; step grandchildren Jessie (Adam) Fowler, Jara (Chad) Wahlert, Jodi (Brent) Joseph; as well as numerous great grandchildren and over a hundred nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Roger Alexander; son Craig Alexander; and brother Lynn Christensen.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church, in care of Allnutt Funeral Service, Macy Chapel, 6521 W. 20th Street, Greeley, CO 80634.
Services will be held at 2 p.m. July 3, 2021 at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, 1800 21st Ave. Greeley.
To share memories and sympathies please visit Allnuttgreeley.com.
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