Judith V. “Judy” Eilertson age 71 of Detroit Lakes, MN passed away peacefully under Hospice care at Sunnyside Care Center on Monday, March 16, 2026.

Judy was born February 3, 1955 in Detroit Lakes, MN to James and Velma (Larson) Haugrud. She grew up and attended school in Pelican Rapids, MN, graduating from Pelican Rapids High School. She then attended Moorhead State University, where she earned an Associate’s Degree in accounting. After college she entered the work force as a teller at Western Minnesota Saving and Loan in Pelican Rapids, eventually becoming branch manager. In the late 1990’s, Judy pursued a career in real estate and held both the Accredited Buyer’s Representative and the Graduate Realtor Institute designations.

Judy met Mike Eilertson in 1982; they were married on February 16, 1985 and made their home on Lake Maud. Judy loved her lake home, sitting on the deck, by the bonfire, or cruising on the pontoon waving at the other boaters. Judy and Mike also enjoyed hosting their annual 4th of July celebration, which they did for twenty five years. They also enjoyed going to the Casino together and time spent socializing with friends at Randy’s on Lake Eunice, (now the “Zoo on 22.”)

Judy is survived by her husband of forty one years, Mike; her step son, Cody (Sheree) Eilertson, of Hawley, MN; grandchildren, Alexandra (Sam) Stigen, of Fargo, ND; and Aiden Eilertson, of Hawley, MN; two brothers, Dave (Wendy) Haugrud, of Detroit Lakes, MN; and Allen (Mary) Haugrud, of Fergus Falls, MN; mother in law, Kelly Eilertson, of Lake Park, MN; and two sisters in law, Shelley (Dave) Prentice, of Lake Park, MN; and Cindy (Todd) Green, of Detroit Lakes, MN.

Judy was preceded in death by her parents.

A celebration of Judy’s life will be held later this spring.