Judy Kaye Gasseling

Judy Kaye Stower Gasseling, 72, was called home to her eternal home with the Lord on April 1, 2016, at Bethany Home in Minden, NE. Just weeks before her death she sent her daughters to find well fitting, brightly colored clothing, after all she said, “It wouldn’t be right to wear dull, drab clothing to do my eternity of haunting!” Judy was born June 24, 1943, to Fredric and Julienne (Goodrich) Stower in Alliance, NE. She was raised in Hemingford, NE, where she married Sylvester Gasseling on February 4, 1967. They had two daughters, Julienne and Kathleen. Judy graduated from Hemingford High School in 1960, then from Chadron State College in 1964 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education. She taught junior high English and served as librarian for 24 years, mainly at Hemingford Public Schools. For many years, she and Sylvester enjoyed trapshooting together, entering and winning shoots in Nebraska, Wyoming, South Dakota and Minnesota. She retired in 1988 and returned to Chadron State College to continue her lifelong love of learning. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in history and business administration. Mrs. G was known for being a tough, but appreciated teacher, with many students expressing their love and gratitude long after they had graduated. Judy didn’t return to public school teaching, but instead began sharing her love of quilting. She taught quilting at various venues in Nebraska and Kansas, as well as individually to friends, those who became friends and to both of her daughters. She was a member of the Pivot Point Quilters in Bladen and the Cross Country Quilt Guild in Kearney. Many times Judy remarked that she was thankful that she didn’t return to the classroom full time so that she had time to spend with her five grandsons. In 1997, after what was supposed to be a short visit when the third grandson was born Judy and Sylvester moved to Minden to be closer to their daughters and grandsons. Judy was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis over 10 years ago, but she didn’t let it slow her down as she continued to quilt and knit. Many patients at the Good Samaritan Cancer Center and children around the area received knitted caps from her busy and talented hands. She also donated many quilts to Quilts of Valor in honor of her family members who served and are serving in the U.S. Army. Judy was always busy. If she wasn’t creating something with her hands, she was reading, collecting fabric, gardening or talking. Survivors include her husband, Sylvester, of Minden; daughters, Julienne Gasseling of Minden and Kathleen Downing-Schaefer and husband, Verlin, of Gering, NE; grandsons Specialist Jacob Downing and wife, Megan, of Fort Bragg, NC, Private First Class Matt Downing of Landstuhl, Germany, Private Evan Gasseling of Fort Carson, CO, Andrew Gasseling of Minden and Michael Downing of Gering. She was preceeded in death by her parents. There will be no funeral services are planned. In lieu of memorials, Judy asked that you mentor someone who would like to learn a skill you have or who just needs a friend.

Judy Kaye Gasseling

June 24, 1943 - April 1, 2016