A Pulitzer Prize-winning newspaper
Judith Kay (Shafer) Meskimen, 83, died on Aug. 25, 2025.
Judy was born March 27, 1942, to parents Paul and Helen Shafer. Her siblings include Jane Shafer Else (Harlan) and Jerry Shafer (Cheri).
Judy grew up in Storm Lake, graduating from SLHS in 1960. Following high school, she attended and graduated from the University of Iowa in 1964 with a BA in elementary education. She remained a devoted Hawkeyes fan and advocate for teachers throughout her life.
She married James Marshall Meskimen on June 11, 1966. Jim and Judy had two children, Elizabeth Jane and Bradley James. Her five grandchildren: Reece, Raegan, Ross, Chloe and Callan, completed the circle of love.
Her passions were her grandchildren, her friendships with friends from many places, and her life filled with living, loving and laughing.
She enjoyed teaching, golf, bridge, dancing, party planning and social activities.
She co-authored a book entitled “It’s Your Party” to spark ideas for simple yet fun theme party planning.
She led workshops to encourage participants in completing a story of their life memoirs: This was such a gift to the individual authors who participated and to their family members.
Special memories for Judy included owning a preschool in Cedar Rapids, performing as the fairy godmother at Disney World, traveling and bonding the Ya Ya grandmas, and most recently finding joy in her Ha Ha sisterhood.
She always enjoyed affiliating with women’s groups including her high school cheerleading group, college sorority (Alpha Delta Pi), Junior League, TTT Society, PEO Sisterhood, AAUW and various other bonding friendships.
She lost her soul mate, Jim, in 2014. She lost her beloved son Brad in 2020. She now happily joins them both in eternal life.
In accordance with her wishes no services will be held. Please visit Elizabeth Meskimen Shelley @Facebook for a virtual tribute invitation.
