Judy A. Merickel, 68, Alexandria, died October 12, 2009 at Fairview University Hospital in Minneapolis.

Judy was born in Manning, Iowa, on July 9, 1941 to Leo and Lucy (Eich) Irlmeier. She moved with her family to Wadena during her school years and graduated from Wadena High School in 1959. She furthered her education at the Charles T. Miller Hospital in St. Paul, where she took nursing training and graduated with an LPN degree.

On June 16, 1962, Judy was united in marriage to Joseph Merickel. The couple lived in St. Paul while Joe was in medical school and in 1967 Judy moved to Iowa with the children while Joe served in Vietnam. In 1969 the family moved to St. Louis Park where Joe was in surgery residence and in 1973 the family moved to Alexandria.

During her time in Alexandria, Judy was involved in many activities in her church and also served as a hospital volunteer. More importantly, she had a passion for her children and time spent together as family. She valued her time with the children and wanted to be available to mentor good morals and ethics to them. She was a devoted mother who wanted to provide a firm sense of self-reliance and confidence in her children.

She is survived by her husband, Joe Merickel of Alexandria; son, James (Catherine) Merickel of Lincoln, Nebraska; daughter, Jane (Gregg) Hodge of Breckinridge, Colorado; grandchildren, Nicholas, Camille, Sophia and Louis Merickel, Joey and Jack Hodge; brothers, Lynn Irlmeier of Korea and Jeff Irlmeier of O’Fallon, Missouri; sisters, Joyce Albers of Plymouth, Jane Chavez of Pine Top, Arizona, Jolene Wess of Scottsdale, Arizona, Sue Bogatz of Omaha and Roxie Stempel of Phoenix, Arizona.

Judy was preceded in death by her parents.

A Memorial Mass was held on Friday, October 23 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Alexandria with the Rev. Steven Binsfeld and the Rev. Al Ludwig officiating.

Arrangements are with Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria; www.andersonfuneral.net.