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Judy Lorraine Gesvalli, 73, was born on June 14, 1953, to Agnes and Ruben Braaten in Hettinger, North Dakota. She passed away on January 5, 2026, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Funeral services will be Saturday, January 17, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. at the Hettinger Lutheran Church.  Barb West, Synod Authorized Minister will officiate and burial will be at Wolf Butte Cemetery, north of Bucyrus, ND.

Judy was raised on a farm north of Reeder, North Dakota, where she learned the values of hard work and family. She graduated from Hettinger High School in 1971. On May 18, 1980, Judy married Domanick Gesvalli. The couple made their home in Aurora, Colorado, where they began raising their family.

Judy and Domanick were blessed with three children, Darrick, Michael Paul and Jami. In 1994, the family returned to Hettinger, North Dakota, later moving to Bowbells in 1997 and settling in Kenmare, North Dakota, in 2001.

Throughout her life, Judy worked various jobs, but her true calling was caring for children. She devoted many years to providing daycare, opening her heart and home to countless families. In her later years, Judy continued caring for children and became lovingly known to many as "Grandma Judy," a title that reflected the love, patience, and warmth she shared so freely.

Judy's greatest joy was her grandchildren. She was blessed with seven grandchildren—Darian, Julian, Devin, Dawson, Aleena, Aireana, and Aubree—and she treasured every opportunity to watch and support them in their many activities.

Judy loved Jesus and had a strong faith in Jesus Christ, which guided her life and brought her comfort and strength throughout the years.

Judy is survived by her husband, Domanick Gesvalli; her children, Darrick (Jessica) Gesvalli and their children Darian, Devin, Dawson and Aubree and Jami Iverson and her children Julian, Aleena, and Aireana; her sisters, Bonita (Spencer) Bovee, Arlinda (Jerel) Seamonds, Karen (Myles) Austin, and Gladine (Mike) Little; her sister-in-law, Linda Braaten and brother-in-law Larry Zimmerman along with many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ruben and Agnes Braaten; her brothers, Keith and LaVoyle Braaten; her sister, Bobbi Zimmerman and her son, Michael Paul Gesvalli.