Judith Ann Aune

Judith (Judy) Ann Kemp Aune was born in Drayton on March 25, 1945, and was raised in rural Hamilton on her family’s farm. She attended Prattford 98 Country School and later Cavalier High. Trusting her passion for helping others mixed with her experience as a candy striper, she enrolled in college in Devils Lake to study nursing. During this time, she lived in Cavalier.

This is when she met Orville Aune, the heartthrob of Walsh County. They were married on April 8, 1966, at the Hamilton Methodist Church, after the worst blizzard on record! The wedding was beautiful and filled with lots of yellow—Mom’s favorite color. The day was great, except the baker made a mistake on the date and didn’t make a cake! They ended up with a generic cake that was delivered just in time for the reception.

The newlyweds took residence in a trailer on Orville’s family homestead in rural Fairdale. Orville farmed while Judy was a homemaker. They were champion square dancers with the Buttons and Bows Club and trophy earners for Olson Potato Bowling in both doubles and singles. Judy was also very active in church.

During this time, in 1967, Melanie (Armstrong) was born. She was their everything—until Mark was born in 1970. Then, wow! A girl and a boy brought so much family joy. At this point, their family of four moved into the Albert Aune family home.

Judy spent time harvesting large gardens and nurturing her green thumb. She enjoyed sewing, keeping up with her clubs, and caring for her children. Soon they moved into the Aune family homestead, and in 1973, Dale arrived. With three little ones, life got a whole lot busier. Between being a farm wife, 4-H, and the kids starting activities and sports, her days were very full. She would often say being a mom was the best job on earth.

Family game nights were especially fun—Sorry! was, and still is, the biggest family battle.

In 1980, nephew Wayne came to live with them, and Mom loved him as though he had always been there. He was a great help with livestock and farming and even kept her on her toes with his hot rods on the gravel roads. He soon left home, married, and started his own family with Susie Sherik.

Life was changing, and farming was tough. In 1982, farming stopped, although they continued to raise animals and maintain a massive garden. Then came Danelle, their youngest. This changed the family dynamic again, as Dale was already eight and Mark and Melanie were in junior high and high school.

Judy started working outside the home at the Osnabrock Nursing Home. In 1990, Orville, Judy, Dale, and Danelle moved from the farm into Park River. None of them had ever lived in town before, so this was quite a shift. The family became very involved with Park River schools and the Aggie Booster Club.

Judy worked at St. Ansgar’s, the Park River hospital, for 25 years. Orville and Judy joined Victory Free Lutheran Church, where she was very active with WMF, quilting, hosting, and serving. Her book collection is impressive; her favorite study is the book of James in the Bible.

In the mid-1990s, Judy started a new career working at Friendship Inc., where she worked for ten years before retiring.

Holidays and birthdays were always close to Judy’s heart. She made sure family and friends were celebrated. She loved fiercely.

Once Judy was blessed with grandchildren, she traveled as often as she could to be present in their lives and attend events. Shortly after Judy lost her leg, Orville passed away in 2024. This brought more big changes that required Judy to pivot, and she made sure to keep her children connected.

For a year and a half, she lived alone for the first time ever. She was able to do so successfully with special thanks to her community of friends and family, Victory Free Lutheran Church, Jim’s Supervalu, Senior Meals, Laurie’s Ye Ole Medicine Shop, special neighbors, Senior Life Solutions, Dr. Kristi, and her famous breakfast club.

In November 2025, Judy truly became a city girl and moved to Grand Forks. She adapted well and loved the ability to always have people to visit with. The activities and food options—without having to leave the building—greatly improved her quality of life.

Judy’s health continued to present challenges; however, her mind and attitude were never altered. A little lipstick goes a long way. She always had treats and drinks to offer. There was forever room for one more and her love was intentional.

Judy once mentioned that the middle of her siblings was gone, but the ends were strong. She loved visiting with them and deeply respected their advice.

When staff in Grand Forks asked Judy about some of her favorite things, she replied: first my kids, then my grandkids—they call me Nana—birds, gardening, sewing, music, the Hallmark Channel, Elvis, spending time with friends and family, and the Walsh County Press.

Judy’s grandkids were probably her favorite subject. She wasn’t much for small talk and was good at getting you to tell the truth. “Jesus already knows, so you better spit it out…”

Judy was always available for a good hug, warm smile, a prayer, and sometimes a pinch. Conversating with mom was like you were the only person in the room. When she held your hand, you were all that mattered in that moment. Her level of care and love has changed our world.

“Days with Nana are priceless.”

Judy, age 81, passed away peacefully in her sleep on April 4, 2026. Thank God for that. Both feet, lots of dessert, and the best hugs for Easter with Orville and so many loved ones.

Judy was preceded in death by her husband, Orville Aune; her parents, Elwood and Mae Middleton Kemp; her brother, James (Jim) Kemp; friends Butch and Helen Porter; and many treasured in-laws, family members, and friends.

Judy and Orville Aune’s legacy includes: Melanie Armstrong – John, Alexis, Megan, and Connor of Stamford, CT; Mark Aune – Lynette, Jared, and Gunnar of Thief River Falls, MN; Dale Aune – Jen, Aiden, and Indigo of Bellingham, WA; Danelle Aune of Stamford, CT; Wayne Aune – Susie, Lindsey, Brandon, Kasey, and families of Fairdale, ND.

Special thanks to the Valley Transitional Unit for excellent care, Hospice of ND for keeping her comfortable, Lindsey Bohlman for daily extra love, and Nancy Kosmatka for her dedication.

Memorial Services will be held at a later date.