Judith Rae Nordhausen

Judith R. Nordhausen age 87 of Detroit Lakes, MN died November 13, 2025, at Essentia Health – St. Mary’s Hospital in Detroit Lakes, MN.

Judith Rae Nordhausen was born on August 16, 1938, in Robbinsdale, MN to Don and Vi (Ash) Johnson. The family moved to Windom, MN in 1950 and Judy graduated from Windom High School in 1956. On September 16, 1956, she was united in marriage to Coleman Nordhausen. They were blessed to celebrate 62 years together. Coleman’s employment with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources found them living in various towns in Minnesota, including Waverly, Windom, Waterville, and Glenwood, before settling in Detroit Lakes in 1967. Judy worked at several jobs over the years, primarily in the area of hospitality, where she completed her career as a hostess at the Chinese Dragon Restaurant in Detroit Lakes. Judy was a resident at Essentia Health – Oak Crossing in Detroit Lakes since July 2024, where her sense of humor and positive outlook on life quickly made her a favorite amongst the staff.

Judy’s family and friends were very important to her. She loved holidays, special occasions, and camping trips with immediate and extended family. She enjoyed joining the neighborhood ladies for their monthly birthday lunches. She treasured time spent with dear friends going out to eat or sharing a meal in, followed by several hands of cards. Judy was a member of the Detroit Lakes United Methodist Church, where she gave of her time serving on church committees and helping in the kitchen for funerals, weddings, making donuts, and their annual fall supper.

Judy is survived by one daughter, Michelle (Scott) Piepkorn, of Park Rapids, MN; one grandson, Kyle Piepkorn (Hali Stiyer), of Park Rapids, MN; great grandson, Jameson Stiyer; great grandson, Branson Piepkorn due to arrive in December; one brother, Phil Johnson, of Milford, Iowa; one brother-in-law, Fred Nordhausen, of Butterfield, MN; several cherished nieces and nephews; and her special second family, the staff at Oak Crossing.

Judy was preceded in death by her husband, Coleman; her parents; her father and mother-in-law, August and Frieda (Riegel) Nordhausen; her sister, Jean Wilson; and beloved sisters and brothers in law.