Judy Van Meter

Judy Van Meter, age 65 of St. Croix, Virgin Islands. And Sky Harbor Air Park near Webster. Judy was born April 13, 1941, in Fergus Falls to Harry and Beulah (Watkins) Hultman. She graduated from Fergus Falls High School in 1959. Judy's long career in title insurance included working with Ralph Burnett to form First Security Title Company in 1981 (now Burnett Title). Judy was passionate about life and lived it to the fullest. She loved spending time with family, traveling with her husband, putting miles on her Harley and laughing with friends. In 1996, she was diagnosed with terminal cancer. In true Judy fashion, this was unacceptable. After her diagnosis, she rode her Harley throughout North America and New Zealand with her husband, Kent. One of her greatest loves was the Virgin Islands, where in 1987, she and Kent built their retirement home, For many years, Judy and Kent have been splitting their time between their home at Sky Harbor Air Park near Webster and their home in the Virgin Islands. Her passion for animals and their welfare led her to assist in establishing "Pets from Paradise" in St. Croix, which to date has rescued over 700 dogs - Judy being personally responsible for 65 dogs that came to Minnesota. After her diagnosis, she also acquired a new passion for quilting. She created many non-traditional quilts for family and friends. Judy passed away on Monday afternoon, August 21, 2006, among family at the Northfield Hospital. Survivors include her husband of 44 years, Kent; 3 children, Linda, Tom and Wendy Van Meter; 4 grandchildren, Shawn (Will) Blount, Eric (Kari) Van Meter, Kevin Sperling and Michelle Van Meter; 4 great grandchildren, Lewis, Lia, Molly and Anna; her niece, Pam (Tom) O'Brien and children Annie and Matthew of Sacramento; her adopted family, Erik and Cheryl Kolz, Jeff and Mary Rathmanner and their children Martha, Maxwell and Mariah, Lisa Brecount; and many, many dear friends. She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister Barbara Davenport. A Celebration of Judy's Life, including a luncheon, will be held from 1-5 PM on Sunday, August 27, 2006 at the Bucks Tone Lodge at Buck Hill, 15400 Buck Hill Road, in Burnsville, MN. At Judy's request, attire should be island colors - no black except Harley black. Memorials are preferred to St. Croix Animal Welfare Center, RR #2, Kingshill, USVI, 00850 or Last Hope, Inc., PO Box 114, Farmington, MN 55024.

From: The St. Paul Pioneer Press, St. Paul, Minnesota.  August 24, 2006.

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