Judith K. Nelke

Resided in Westminster, CO

Judy was born on August 5, 1940 in Oakley, Kansas to Philip and Katherine Depperschmidt. Judy was the youngest of 9 children. She grew up in Oakley, Kansas and graduated from Oakley HS in 1958. She married Leonard (Len) Nelke, her high school sweetheart, on November 10, 1958. Judy and Len worked the family farm until the spring of 1965 when they and their 3 children, Debbie, Sheila and Tim, moved to Denver, CO to begin a new chapter in their lives. Brian was welcomed into the family later that year. In the spring of 1966 the family moved to Northglenn, CO where they enjoyed many years and welcomed Desiree and Kent into the family. After the children graduated Len and Judy relocated to Westminster, CO in 1991. Judy passed away peacefully of natural causes on April 29, 2024.

Family was very important to Judy. She was proud of her family and enjoyed spending time with them. She spent many hours encouraging her children and grandchildren at their various sporting and academic events.  

Judy’s faith was very important to her. She and her family were among the founding families of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic church in Northglenn. Judy shared her faith with her family as well as many students as a religious education teacher. She was also a member of the parish Finance Council and a Eucharistic Minister.

Judy enjoyed over 30 years as a Real Estate Broker and was the Broker/Owner of Metro Brokers Nelke and Company. She treated all of her many clients as her extended family. She also enjoyed playing penny slots in Black Hawk and considered this her “Happy Place”.  Judy and Len enjoyed traveling, especially cruises and shared many happy memories with her family. Judy has many friends and enjoyed having lunches and playing Mexican Train and Bunko with them. 

Judy was very strong and independent. She didn’t hesitate to lend a helping hand whenever it was needed. She was always ready with a meal, rides or a kind shoulder to lean on.

Judy is survived by her six children, Debra (John) Budden, Sheila (Dale) Zalewski, Timothy, Brian (Tedi), Desiree (Rick) Roberts and Kent (Myndi). She is also survived by 12 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren, sister-in-law Sarah Depperschmidt, and numerous nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents and siblings.

• In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to the American Cancer Society.