Judith Dutler, born to William and Esta (Smith) Dutler on April 23, 1940, in Mankato, Minnesota, cherished her childhood with her parents and older siblings. She often could be found playing various sports, including ice hockey. Petite yet spirited, standing just over five feet, Judith shifted from hockey to ice skating when the boys grew bigger and a bit more aggressive. A 1958 graduate of Mankato High School, Judith excelled academically as an honor student and was captain of her debate team, garnering skills later used in business and in life. It was after the close of this chapter that fate led her to Alan Ives Grundemeier. Their unexpected meeting one night at her mother’s cafe sparked a love story for the ages, culminating in a heartfelt union on January 17, 1960, that lasted 56 years until Alan’s Heavenly departure.
Their wanderlust and zest for adventure took them across the country, following the paths of their careers and passions, until they found their home in Houston in December 1979, and later in Katy, Texas, in 1992. It was in Katy where they built a home filled with love, a haven where countless cherished moments were shared with their children and grandchildren.
Judith's professional journey was marked by her successful tenure as an Insurance Agent and Financial Advisor with Thrivent Financial (formerly known as Lutheran Brotherhood). However, her career came to an earlier than anticipated end due to a disability. Nevertheless, Judith embraced life fully as a beloved mother, a dedicated homemaker, and a cherished friend within the Katy-area community. She imparted her knowledge of Tai Chi at the local community center and was an enthusiastic and talented artist, especially in watercolor painting.
Alongside Alan, following his retirement, Judith ventured into entrepreneurship, opening a small online bookstore. Their business flourished, selling and shipping books across the nation and internationally. A lifelong learner, Judith instilled in her daughters a deep love of books. She was also a passionate sports enthusiast, ardently supporting her favorite teams, the Houston Astros and the Houston Texans.
Judith exemplified a profound dedication to community service, graciously contributing her time and resources to various community-based organizations. She and Alan were actively involved with St. Martin’s Lutheran Church and became esteemed Stephen Ministers.
Judith's legacy will be remembered for her remarkable kindness, warm smile, and gentle demeanor that distinctly defined her. Known for always offering a comforting hug, unwavering support, or a thoughtful word, her absence will be profoundly felt by her family and everyone who had the privilege of knowing her.
Judith is survived by her daughters Tybe Lynn Lee (Roger), Tanya Grundemeier Panquerne (Reginald), Tara Lauree Grundemeier (Alexis) and Tawn Grundemeier Vandenberg; eight grandchildren: Brittany Nicole Nail (Rusty), Thomas M. Jones III (Ashley), Austin Reid Jones, Matthew Cameron Lee, Morgan Lyndsey Ursell (Tanner), Meredith Lynn Johnson (Joseph), Elle Ann Vandenberg and Elkan Alan Vandenberg; ten great-grandchildren: Haven Nail, Dylan Nail, Corbin Jones, Sawyer Jones, Kohen Jones, Emaree Jones, Wyatt Tanner Ursell, Weston Tyler Ursell, Walker Texas Ursell and Wade Travis Ursell; and cousins, nieces and nephews. Judith is also survived by her beloved cat, Bella, who was her constant companion in her final years.
She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Alan I. Grundemeier; her brothers, Gerald Dutler and (infant) Edward Dutler; her sisters, Gertrude Dowd and Wilma Broecher; and her parents, William and Esta Dutler.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Judith’s memory to the cat and kitten rescue organization, e-Rescue Houston, 202 Charon Pt, Spring Branch, Texas 78070 (e-rescue-houston.org).
Visitation will be held at Memorial Oaks Funeral Home located at 13001 Katy Freeway, Houston, Texas 77079, on Friday, February 2, 2024, from 6:00-8:00 pm. The funeral service will be on Saturday, February 3, 2024, at 10:00 am at Living Word Lutheran Church located at 3700 S. Mason Road, Katy, Texas 77450. The burial will follow the service at Memorial Oaks Cemetery.
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