Judith Fitzgerald
Judith G. Hansen Fitzgerald, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away on June 17, 2025, at Sanford Health in Bismarck, N.D.
She was born on Jan. 4, 1944, to Ted and Annie (Helmers) Hansen in Minot, N.D., and grew up alongside her three older sisters in the close-knit community of Tolley, N.D. Judith was baptized, confirmed, and married at Trinity Lutheran Church in Tolley, where she exchanged vows with the love of her life, David Fitzgerald, in 1969. Together, they shared a remarkable journey of 56 years, during which they raised four children: Brad, Nathan, Marlai, and Patrick.
In the fall of 1976, the family relocated to Watford City, N.D., In 1977, they moved to a farm north of Watford City, where Judith took great joy in raising sheep and running a daycare from their home. She cherished the opportunity to nurture and care for both the bum lambs and the children entrusted to her. In 2010, Judith and David moved to a farm in Stanton, N.D., and in 2022, due to health considerations, they transitioned to Mandan, where she remained until her passing.
She is survived by her loving husband, David; her children, Brad (Dawn) Fitzgerald of St. John, N.D., Nathan (special friend, Elizabeth) Fitzgerald of Haxtun, Colo., Marlai (Bob) Johnston, Watford City, N.D., and Patrick (Jennifer) Fitzgerald of Arnegard, N.D.; six cherished grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; as well as a number of nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Judith was preceded in death by her parents; three sisters; infant brother; grandson, Ben Andrew Johnston; and her mother-in-law and father-in-law.
A funeral service honoring Judith’s life was held at 11 a.m. on Mon., June 23, 2025, at Messiah Lutheran Church, located at 1020 Boundary St, NW, Mandan, N.D. Visitation took place one hour prior to the service.
The burial was at 2 p.m. on Tues., June 24, 2025, at Trinity Lutheran Cemetery in Tolley, N.D.