Judith A. (Faes) Walkenbach

Judith A. Walkenbach, 77, passed away in her home in Jefferson City, Missouri, on Sunday, February 15, 2026 surrounded by her loving family.

Judy was born in Washington, Missouri on September 14, 1948, the daughter of the late Donald & Gladys (Gatzemeyer) Faes.  She was raised in Hermann, Missouri with her sister.

On June 13, 1970 she was united in marriage to Steve Walkenbach, her loving & devoted husband of over 55 years.  He preceded her in death on November 28, 2025.

Judy attended St. George School through high school and then went on to nursing school.  She graduated from nursing school in 1970 and spent a few years living in Texas and Louisiana during Steve's years of service in the U.S. Army.  Upon returning to Missouri to raise their family, Judy worked as an RN at Fulton State Hospital for 28 years before retiring in 2003.

Judy loved her dogs, loved to travel, going to estate sales, and cooking delicious meals for her family.  Her greatest joy and love in life was her family and friends.  She always made sure everyone around her was taken care of.  For the last 7 months she fought a hard, courageous battle with terminal cancer.

She is survived by a daughter, Stephanie Allbritton (Tracy Shelabarger); two sons, Chad Walkenbach and Craig Walkenbach (Billie); six grandchildren, Brooke Kotthoff, Andrew Allbritton, Carolyn Allbritton, Blayne Walkenbach, Emma Walkenbach and Ryan Middaugh; sisters-in-law, Kathy Spearman (Eddie), Jane West (Jerry), LuAnn Richardson, Kris Toedtmann (Bart), and Vicki Puchta; brothers-in-law, Bob Bracht, William Walkenbach (Claudia), Rick Walkenbach (Diane), and Mike Walkenbach (Janice); many nieces, nephews, and friends who will dearly miss her.

She is preceded in death by her husband, her parents, her father & mother-in-law, Herb & Nell Walkenbach, a sister, Brenda Bracht, brothers-in-law, Dave Walkenbach and Steve Richardson; and a nephew, Joey Bracht.
 
A funeral mass will be held Friday, February 20, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at St. George Church, Hermann, Missouri, with Father Philip Niekamp officiating. 

Burial will be at St. George Cemetery.  Memorial donations may be given to St. George Church or Hermann Area Crusade Against Cancer.