Berkenpas, Judy Lyn 1945-2026

BERKENPAS, PARKINSON, HOWES

Posted By: Linda Ziemann, volunteer (email)
Date: 3/2/2026 at 14:59:12

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Judy Lyn Berkenpas, 80, of Le Mars, Iowa, who passed away peacefully in her sleep February 12, 2026.

Funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at St. John's Lutheran Church in Le Mars. Reverend Steven Broers will officiate. Burial will follow in Memorial Cemetery in Le Mars. Visitation with the family present will be from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at Rexwinkel Funeral Home in Le Mars. There will be a Prayer Service at 7:00 p.m. Visitation will resume from 9:30 a.m. until service time on Wednesday at the church. Arrangements are with the Rexwinkel Funeral Home in Le Mars, Iowa.

In lieu of flowers and gifts, memorials can be directed to Le Mars Fire-Rescue.

Judy was born to Lillian (Howes) and Donald Parkinson on May 21, 1945, in Le Mars, Iowa. Judy was united in marriage to Gary Berkenpas on February 21, 1965, at Evangelical United Brethren Church of Le Mars. Together, they shared over 60 years of love and happy times.

Judy lived a life in motion. She loved walking outdoors and being active. She was known for her beautiful smile and vibrant energy. Judy was happiest when she was with her grandchildren or when dancing across a dance floor with Gary. Their dance family was truly family. Judy and Gary would travel near and far to dance with friends and listen to their favorite bands.

Judy and Gary shared years of travel with friends to sunny vacation destinations for adventures and laughter. When the family was young, Judy and Gary would gather the kids and travel with friends and family to favorite cabins on the lakes for boating and water skiing, along with sunbathing as Judy loved the sunshine.

After graduating from Le Mars Community High School in 1963, Judy began her career with the Plymouth County Courthouse until her retirement as Deputy Auditor. Judy loved her job and the people she worked with. She would always share the well-known mantra with her children, “Find a job you love,and you’ll never work a day in your life.”

Judy will be deeply missed by her husband Gary; their three children: Mark (Theresa Sonnleitner) of West Des Moines, Gina (Tim) Allen of Seattle, Washington, Tori (Patrick Young) of West Des Moines; adoring grandchildren: Alexa (Andrew) Grant, Kennedy Berkenpas, Kassidy Berkenpas, Sam Allen, Lily Allen, and Chester Allen; a dear sister Pat (LeRoy) Borchers of Le Mars, a sister-in-law Bonnie Harms of Le Mars, a brother-in-law Dennis Maly of Yankton, South Dakota, and many nieces and nephews.
Judy was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Cheri, her nephew Dean Vanness, and her brother-in-law Lanny Harms, and her great-niece Maddie Theisen.