Judy Johnson Felch
January 10, 1961 ~ July 26, 2025
Born in:
Minot, North Dakota
Resided in:
Fargo, North Dakota
In Loving Memory
Judy J. Felch
(January 10, 1961 – July 26, 2025)
It is with profound sorrow and loving remembrance that we announce the passing of a cherished wife, mother, grandmother, daughter and sister whose grace, kindness, genuine personality and unwavering love touched the lives of all who knew her. Her journey on this earth was marked by compassion, kindness, laughter, and a deep devotion to her family and friends. She died peacefully at her lake home near Nevis, MN after a courageous 3 ½ year battle with cancer.
She was born in Minot, ND to William and Phyllis Johnson and raised on a family farm near Donnybrook ND. She attended high school in Donnybrook, ND and excelled not only in her studies, but also basketball and softball. This competitive spirit carried over too many aspects of her life including outdoor sports against her kids and husband, a “friendly” game of pinochle with her friends, pickleball, or desire to close a sales deal while working at Great Plains Software.
Judy attended Moorhead State University where she graduated with a B.S. Degree in Accounting in 1983. Her first job was with Great Plains Software in Fargo, ND (later acquired by Microsoft) as a technical support representative for their accounting software. She eventually moved into sales and closed, at that time, one of the largest account relationships with KODAK company.
She eventually left Great Plains to spend more time at home with her young family. As the children got older with less demands on their time to transport them to numerous sporting or social events she pursued another passion in her life. She went on to receive her certification as a personal trainer, yoga and pilates instructor and many times you could find her training out of her home or instructing yoga in the backyard. She found true enjoyment going into the homes of the elderly to provide these services.
Judy loved to hike, bike, dance and gather with friends for an occasional glass of wine. Holidays were also extra special for her as that meant gathering with family to celebrate and share special memories.
Judy married David Felch on June 30th, 1984, at the Methodist Church in Donnybrook. They made their home in Fargo and through work and children’s events have made numerous lifelong friends, which are cherished and talked about on an almost daily basis. She always loved the former Great Plains Software employee gatherings to reconnect with friends and receive updates on their families. Her kindness filled our home, and her love of family and friends guided us through every season of life.
Judy is survived by her father, her husband of 41 years, her children Michael Felch, Katie (Alec) Ganske, granddaughters Charlotte Mae and Mia Lynn Gankse, brothers Billy (Candy) Johnson and Steven Johnson, mother in law Nancy Felch; sister in law Teresa (Jerome) Bauer, brothers in law; Donald Felch, James (Rebecca) Felch; Aunts Ann(Gary) Scheig, Faye Schaefer, and Elaine Dahle along with many cousins, nieces and nephews.
Judy was preceded in death by her mother, several aunts, and uncles.
To her family, she was a cornerstone – a loving partner, confidante, and best friend. Her unwavering support and generosity knew no bounds, and her memory will forever be a source of inspiration. She taught us the meaning of unconditional love, patience, and the beauty of a life lived with purpose and integrity.
Though she is no longer with us in body, her spirit remains ever-present in the lives she touched and the love she gave so freely. We will miss her dearly but find comfort in the legacy of kindness and compassion she leaves behind.
A private memorial service to commemorate her life will be held in the coming days at Boulger Funeral Home, where family will gather to honor her memory and share the stories that made her so dearly loved. The family will be planning a celebration of life at a future date so all friends can gather to share their memories and honor her life.
Judy’s family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Roger Maris Cancer Center, your local first responders, or a charity of your choice.
Dave and family, we can’t imagine the hole you’re feeling in your hearts. Judy was such a great firend – always remembering my birthday and treating me to lunch, encouraging while at the same time pushing me as my exercise coach, and always there to share a “pee your pants” belly laugh! She’ll be missed by so many people and our hearts are breaking for you. Praying for peace as you find your way without her. We love you – Jane and John Olson
I’m so sorry, Dave & Katie & Michael…
Judy had so much spunk and spirit and such an encouraging and positive person…always up for whatever…her attitude through her illness was amazing.
God’s care and comfort to you all …she’ll be missed greatly.
Love and prayers,
Tami and Paul
We are so sorry for your loss and deeply saddened. Love to you and your family. May her beautiful spirit and great memories uplift you all during this difficult time.
Love – Rod and Cindy Erickson
Dave and family. I am so sorry to hear about your loss. She was a wonderful and kind person. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this difficult time. Cherish the memories.
Dave, Michael, Katie and family
Judy was such a great friend to me, as well as a confident, someone to laugh with and just enjoy time with. I was very lucky to have such a wonderful friend in my life. I will really miss her! She loved her family so much and was so proud of all of you. I know she is finally at peace and with her mom. It’s hard to let her go, but I hope all your memories of her will carry you through the coming days. You are in our thoughts and prayers – love, Katie and Jim Traynor
Sending so much love. Our family is heartbroken. We will miss Judy.
Dave, Michael, Katie and family! My Deepest Condolences to all of you! Judy was a Great friend to many! She will be dearly missed.
You have written so beautifully exactly what we all seen and loved about Judy
I will miss her immensely, as you and so many others will
My thoughts, prayers and love to you all during this difficult time!
Dave, Michael, Katie and Family: I’m so very sorry for the pain you are feeling in your hearts right now. Judy was such a positive light no matter where she was in life…working, sports, having fun or even through her health struggles. She was always so strong and always caring about others along the way. She always got that twinkle in her eye when she talked about each of you, she was so proud of her loving Family. Hold onto your cherished memories as you navigate life without your sweet Judy. Her health is now renewed and I’m sure she’s hugging her Mom tight in heaven. My heart is heavy for all of you.
Judy always had a smile. Two words that describe her were kind and genuine. She was not a complainer, and was always interested in you.
One of the memories I have is when Judy was a basketball coach for the girls. She was positive and always stressed the fundamentals.
Katie, she loved being a grandma so much, but didn’t want to, “gush” too much, as she in typical fashion, would always turn the conversation back to you.
She was a class act: rare in today’s world.
Our thoughts go out to you Dave, Mike , Katie and family.
The Rydells
What a beautiful tribute to a wonderful person! You said it all so well through all the heartache and pain, you expressed it perfectly.
Judy,
You fought so many battles,
And now you’ve lost the war.
Your body grew so tired,
And couldn’t take it anymore.
Heaven’s gates opened up and
In, the most beautiful angel came
Though Heaven is more wonderful,
On earth it’s not the same.
You suffered so much in silence,
Didn’t want the world to know
The burdens and the pain,
You tried not to let them show.
I wish you would’ve grown old,
To have that one “last dance”
To watch your granddaughters grow
But you never got the chance 😢
You handled it with dignity,
The troubles you had to face
Never wanted to focus on you,
Now you are in a peaceful place.
You spoke often of your family,
How wonderful they have been,
How Dave cared for you so deeply
Right up until the very end.
You were a kind and caring friend,
Beautiful inside and out
You’re someone I aspire to be
That’s what life is all about.
I’ll miss you my dear friend, until we meet again.
Sandy
We are deeply saddened to hear about the passing of your beloved wife. Please accept my heartfelt condolences during this difficult time. I hope you find comfort in the love and support of those around you, and in the many cherished memories you shared together.
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. May her memory be a blessing and her spirit continue to live on in the lives she touched.
With sympathy,
Arnold and Elaine
I’m so sorry for your loss. Judy was such a special person who could pick up on conversations even when we hadn’t spoke for a year kind of gal. So many memories of working with her at at alumni gatherings.
I have let alumni know of her passing – so many loved her and would want to pray for you at this time.
Prayers,
Kim Peterson
I worked with Judy at Great Plains Software/Microsoft but knew her better in the last few years as we shared the same disease and had the same doctor. She was always checking in on me even though she was really the sick one. She was always worried about others even in her condition. I can’t believe she is gone. My heart breaks for your whole family-she talked about you with so much pride.
Dave,Katie, Michael and family,
My heart aches for each of you. Judy was so authentic and unconditionally loved her friends and family. We had so much fun in the early days at Great Plains with basketball, softball, holiday cookie baking….and working hard too. The last few years I’ve been so thrilled to see Judy in AZ for our annual bike, hike or “just lunch” day when we would talk about everything and time flew by. Judy was an amazing friend to me and I will miss her immensely. Hold tight to all the wonderful and amazing memories of Judy as you go through this difficult time. Much love,
Jodi Uecker
Dave and family, our deepest condolences. We have so many positive memories of Judy, just a purely wonderful person and great friend
Dave, Michael and Katie,
I am so sorry for your loss. Judy was such a good friend. We had so many laughs during training and yoga sessions. We also had some fun cocktail hours. She always had a smile and a soft voice of encouragement. She was also so positive not matter what life threw her way. May the memories you hold bring you peace and comfort in the coming days. Hugs to all of you.
Dave, Michael and Katie, I’m very sorry for your loss! As I read through everyone’s comments, we all agree what a wonderful friend she was to many and how she touched everyone with great attitude, spirit and kindness. She will be greatly missed.
To the entire Felch family – My heart is breaking for you and I am keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. May His promise of eternal life give you some peace and comfort during this very sad and challenging time. John 3:16
Hugs to Dave, Katie, Michael and her precious grandkids. Judy was a bright light who always made others feel special – and she was so fun! She was a great soccer mom buddie who loved cheering all the girls on and gathering with the families post game for banter and laughter. Judy was always happy, interested in others, and had a great laugh. She was someone who truly enjoyed her family and friends and loved unconditionally. She will be missed.
Dave, Michael, Katie and family,
Please accept our heartfelt condolences to you. Judy was a kind and beautiful person, always so thoughtful. We pray that the love and memories she has with each of you continues to bring you comfort and peace.
Dave, Michael, and Katie and family, I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Judy. Judy had a great personality…. such a kind, fun, friendly and lovable person. I will always remember the laughs and fun times we had together. May all of your wonderful family memories help you get through this sad time. Thinking of all of you. 🙏🙏❤️
Dave, Michael, Katie & Family – I’ve been at a loss as what to say, the words written about Judy really covered everything about her. Such great memories of book club, yoga/wine nights and celebrating our birthdays together. But mostly, I’ll remember her kindness and the twinkle in her eyes. May all those memories live on forever….Jane Schmit