Michael Judge

Michael Christopher (Chris) Judge, passed away on September 24, 2018, at Mercy Hospital in Des Moines. Chris was born August 5, 1938, in Melrose, Iowa.

Chris was the youngest son of Chris and Selma (Peterson) Judge and brother to William (Bill, aka Chris) and Robert (Bob, aka Spook) Judge. Chris was happily married to his rock and soulmate, Nancy (Benz) Judge, for 54 years.

Always good natured and open to everyone he met, Chris valued faith, family, and friends above all things. He loved family and social gatherings and cherished the time he spent with others. A helping hand, cold beer, or cup of coffee was always there for a friend or neighbor. He truly didn’t know a stranger. A strong Christian, Chris attended mass regularly and occasionally stayed awake for the whole service. (He was just “resting his eyes” he would say.)

Chris loved the outdoors. When he was younger, he enjoyed hunting and working with hunting dogs. Bass fishing was also a passion. He shared many fun days with family and friends out on his prized boat on lakes all around Iowa. In later years, he enjoyed long walks with his dog, and watching “squirrel activity”.

Chris graduated from Albia High School in 1957. He joined the Navy and was stationed in San Diego where he first learned data processing, which would become his life’s work. After the Navy, Chris moved to Des Moines and worked his entire career in data processing for National Travelers Life insurance company. He valued hard work and being there for his employees and his employer.

He and Nancy lived in Carlisle, Iowa, for more than 35 years before moving to the south side of Des Moines.

He is survived by his wife, Nancy; sons Jamie Judge of Ankeny and Jody Judge (Cheri) of Des Moines; grandchildren, Reagan Judge and Parker Judge; son-in-law Rod Connell (Jennifer Williams) of Des Moines; brothers William Judge (Virginia) of Melrose, and Robert Judge (Suzanne) of Des Moines. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Chris is preceded in death by his daughter, Julie (Judge) Connell, and his parents.

The family will greet friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Thursday, September 27, 2018, with a Rosary Service at 7:00 p.m. at Hamilton’s Southtown Funeral Home, 5400 SW 9th Street. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, September 28, 2018 at St. Elizabeth Seton, 2566 Scotch Ridge Rd, Carlisle, IA, followed by burial at Carlisle Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to St. Elizabeth Catholic Church in Carlisle or the Animal Rescue League of Iowa.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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