Judy passed away Saturday, Feb. 19, 2022, at Mayo Clinic Health System Methodist Hospital in Rochester, Minn. Lakeview Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Fairmont is assisting the family with arrangements.

Judy Kay (Reinesch) Bryan was born Aug. 30, 1952, in Mitchell, S.D., the daughter of Carl and Susan (Ries) Reinesch. She grew up in White Lake, S.D. where she attended school and graduated from White Lake High School. Following her graduation, Judy went on to further her education attending SDSU in Brookings, S.D., where she earned a degree in journalism. After earning her degree, Judy moved to the East Coast and later married Dale Bryan. To this union one daughter, Carla, was born. The family would relocate to Fairmont and the couple later divorced. Judy and Sheldon Thom were united in marriage and the couple celebrated the birth of a daughter, Virginia (Ginny) A few years later, the couple divorced. On July 28, 2001, Judy was united in marriage to Arnie Beckendorf in Fairmont, Minn. Together, the couple made their home in Fairmont and were enjoying their retirement years together. Judy had a passion for journalism and left her mark in the places that she worked. While in Fairmont, she worked for the Fairmont Sentinel two different times spanning over 20 years of service. Judy also worked as a bartender at Shenanigans and was a waitress at Green Mill in Fairmont. On Dec. 18, 2020, Judy retired from her career at the Sentinel but continued her passion for journalism by taking up freelance writing for the Photo Press. Judy cared deeply for the Fairmont community and took great pride in reporting on its happenings. She was excited to see improvements such as the new inclusive park equipment at Gomsrud Park and was interested in the continued work of groups like Project 1590, the Fairmont Area Community Center, as well as many other groups and their quest in making Fairmont a better place to live. Judy loved politics and enjoyed reading and playing games on the computer. She treasured spending time with her grandchildren and enjoyed sharing stories and photos of them with her many friends. Judy looked forward to her yearly vacation to Mexico and escaping the cold and dreary Minnesota winters. Judy was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary. Left to cherish her memory is her husband, Arnie Beckendorf of Fairmont, Minn.; daughters, Carla Knudson of Crystal, Minn., and Ginny Abernathy and her husband, Nathan of Gallipolis Ferry, W.Va.; grandchildren, Joe Knudson, James Knudson, Holden Abernathy and Luella Abernathy; two sisters, Jane Knippling and her husband, Don, and Lois Weber and her husband, Gerry; brother, Dave Reinesch and his wife, Cheryl; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Val (Clay) Wagner, Carl (Sherry) Beckendorf, Jim (Sally) Beckendorf, Dave (Eileen) Beckendorf, Tom (Rita) Beckendorf, Kathy (Don) Ellerton, John E.J. Jr., (Shirley) Beckendorf, and Sandy Beckendorf; as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. Judy was preceded in death by her parents, Carl and Sue Reinesch; father-in-law and mother-in-law, E.J. and Luella Beckendorf; brother-in-law, William Beckendorf; and sister-in-law, Phyllis Normand.

www.lakeviewfuneralhome.net

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