Judith Whiteman

Judith Elaine Whiteman 

September 28, 1941 – November 18, 2025

Judy Whiteman, 84, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on November 18, 2025, surrounded by loved ones.

Born and raised on a farm near Walhalla, North Dakota, Judy learned the values of hard work, family, and community from an early age. Surrounded by cousins, aunts, uncles, and friends, she grew up with a strong sense of connection that guided her throughout her years. In school, she was active in 4-H, the First Presbyterian Church youth group, and Rainbow Girls; played euphonium in the band; was valedictorian of her class; and made friendships that lasted a lifetime.

Judy continued her education at Jamestown College and North Dakota State University (NDSU), where she was a leader in many clubs and fraternities; and earned a degree in Home Economics Education. During her student teaching in Leeds, North Dakota, she met Gary—the love of her life. After they married, they continued their teaching careers in Cando, North Dakota, before the couple eventually settled in Brainerd, Minnesota in 1969. Over their 61 years together, Judy and Gary built a life filled with love, laughter, and adventure.

Their home on Gilbert Lake became the center of family life—a place for boat rides, swimming, gardening, card games, meals, and endless laughter. Judy enjoyed her work as a Tupperware dealer and as a substitute teacher in the Brainerd School District, where she loved connecting with students and colleagues. She also shared her creativity sewing costumes for The Sitting Room, an old-time photography studio she and Gary ran with friends during the summers.

Faith and service were at the heart of Judy’s life. She was an active member of First Congregational UCC, participated in local and state chapters of the Order of the Eastern Star, cherishing the friendships she formed there and through her many bridge groups. She served as a Girl Scout leader, Bethel Guardian of Job’s Daughters, and volunteered faithfully at Habitat for Humanity’s ReStore. No matter where she was, Judy had a gift for making everyone feel welcome and valued.

Judy and Gary shared a deep love of travel and adventure, exploring destinations around the world— including China, Indonesia, Poland, Iceland, Australia, and many more places in the USA and abroad. Some of their favorite trips were those taken with dear friends and family, making memories they treasured for years.

At home, Judy could often be found creating something delicious in the kitchen, solving crossword puzzles, sewing, shortening pants for her “height-challenged” family, or answering Jeopardy questions from the couch. She loved a good card game, a heartfelt conversation, and the simple joys of everyday life.

If you knew Judy, you know she had a gift for storytelling—capturing every detail was her specialty. Her favorite topic was always her family, especially her kids and grandkids. You couldn’t spend time with Judy without hearing about their latest shenanigans or accomplishments. She will be remembered for her home-cooked meals, generous spirit, sense of humor, and the love she poured into her family and community.

She is survived by her husband, Gary, and their children, Greg (Jamie) Whiteman, Rhonda (Ken) Schwartz, and Lynn (Dean) Alcock. Her grandchildren; Kourtni Alcock, Ben Jensen, Katarina Schwartz, Sara Whiteman, Cole (Kenzie) Schwartz, Tim (Sydney) Whiteman, Nick (Yuki) Whiteman, and Abby Alcock. She is also survived by her brother Clair Halverson.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Morris and Clara Halverson.

A celebration of Judy’s life will be held on November 24, 2025, at 11 AM at First Congregational UCC in Brainerd, with a luncheon to follow. The service will include a special Order of Eastern Star ceremony in her honor. A visitation will be held the evening prior on November 23, 2025, from 4-6 PM at Brenny Funeral home in Baxter. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to First Congregational UCC Church or Habitat for Humanity Restore.

Arrangements are entrusted to Brenny Family Funeral Chapel, Baxter.