Judith "Judie" A. Gilgen, 77, of Upland, passed away on Friday, March 8, 2024 at her home. A private family memorial mass with inurnment at the Minden Cemetery will be held. A public memorial book signing with the family present will be held from 4:00 to 6:00p.m. on Thursday, March 21, 2024 at Craig Funeral Home in Minden. Memorials in Judie's honor are kindly suggested to the family for later designation, and can be sent to the family in care of Craig Funeral Home at 336 N Nebraska Avenue, Minden, NE 68959. Arrangements are under the care of Craig Funeral Home in Minden.

Judith Ann Gilgen was born on July 27, 1946 in Minden, Nebraska, to James Patrick "Pat" and Maxine C. (Willis) Cavanaugh. She grew up in the Minden area and graduated from Minden High School.

She was united in marriage to Gary Lee Gilgen at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Minden, and to this union one daughter, Wendi, was born. The family made their home in Upland. The couple later divorced, and Gary passed away in 1989.

Judie was employed by Kearney County Health Services in Minden for many years where she worked as a nurse's aide and later worked in insurance processing until her retirement in 2008.

She was a member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Minden, Auxiliary of Pink Sisters, National Arbor Day Foundation, National Audubon Society, and the National Wildlife Federation. Judie loved working in her yard, gardening and tending to her flowers. She enjoyed watching movies, and tennis. She was known for not allowing anything to interrupt her from watching a good match!

Those left to cherish her memory include her daughter, Wendi and husband, Jeff Haffey of Axtell; grandson, Blake Haffey of Axtell; nieces and nephew, Shannon (Joe) Graham, Shane (Cathy) Hoban, and Erin (Frank) Van Dusen; and a host of great-nieces, great-nephews, and extended relatives.

She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Sandra Cavanaugh; and niece, Shalene Hoban.

Tributes and memories can be shared with the family at www.craig funerals.com.