- Date Of Birth: June 5, 1934
- Date Of Death: April 5, 2022
- State: Iowa
Judith Ann “Judy” Dierenfeld Gardner, 87, died peacefully in the early morning hours of April 5, 2022, at Taylor House Hospice, following a courageous battle with cancer.
She was born Judith Pankers and spent her early years in Omaha, Nebraska, before moving to Webster Groves, Missouri. Judy left to attend college at Iowa State University, where she met her former husband, Frank Dierenfeld. Together they had four children: Michael, Ellen, Mark and Cinda.
Judy had a full and wonderful life. While raising four children, she managed the office for the Deep River Veterinary Clinic, Deep River, Iowa. She was active in transporting her children year around to their many activities, volunteering for her church, and many other local organizations. She was a “special mom” to two foreign exchange students from Brazil, Jose and Lilo.
Judy began lobbying in the legislature in the mid 1970’s and through the years, where she made many friends. She worked as an Executive Director for several non-profit associations and later worked as a secretary in the Iowa Senate.
At the ripe young age of 74, Judy married her high school sweetheart, John Gardner. They spent the last 13 years treating each other like royalty. Together they enjoyed traveling, card games and spending time with family and friends. They were active members of Westminster Presbyterian Church, where Judy served as an Elder. She maintained a dear group of friends, who were her travel buddies, and together they traveled the world. They welcomed John with open arms.
Judy is survived by her husband, John; son, Michael (Joan) Dierenfeld, granddaughter, Ashley (Rick) Burns and great grandchildren, Natalie and Abigail, granddaughter, Allyson (Chad) Krull and great grandchildren, Kendall and Evan; daughter, Ellen Dierenfeld (Georg Weyand), grandson, Christoph; son, Mark Dierenfeld (Cherie Wegner); and daughter, Cinda (Mark) Ross, grandson, Austin (Megan) Ross, granddaughter, Sarah Ross, grandson, Adam Ross. She is also survived by her step son, James Gardner (Tina Berg-Gardner), granddaughter, Ainsley and grandson, Johnathan; brother-in-law, Mike Berni (Patti) and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, their families and a multitude of friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Al and Betty Pankers; brother, Robert Pankers and sister, Jill Berni.
