Judy (Stenzel) Wellnitz-Martell

Judy (Stenzel) Wellnitz-Martell, 82, of Ortonville, MN, and formerly of Big Stone City, SD; passed away surrounded by her family on Saturday, February 8, 2025.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, February 21, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at First English Church in Ortonville, MN. A visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church on Friday. Private inurnment will be held at a later date. 

Judy Ann Stenzel was born on March 17, 1942, in Osceola Township, on her grandparent’s farm near Sibley, Iowa, to Ira and Margaret (Kruger) Stenzel. She was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith. Throughout her childhood, her family moved frequently, living in Albee, SD; Clearwater, FL; Sibley, IA; Browns Valley, MN; Big Stone City, SD; and Revillo, SD. She graduated from Revillo High School in 1960.

On June 23, 1961, Judy married James “Jim” Wellnitz, and together they had two daughters, Konni and Cathy. The family settled in Milbank, SD, where Judy devoted herself to being a homemaker. She took great pride in caring for her home and family, excelling in everything she did. A talented and creative woman, she taught herself to quilt, crochet, and even play the guitar. She and Jim formed a band with other musicians and performed at weddings and various events. The couple had a cabin on Big Stone Lake and enjoyed spending summer weekends there with their girls, fishing and relaxing. 

Judy valued her relationships with family and friends. She had a close-knit group of friends in Milbank who often gathered at Trevett’s Café. More recently, she cherished the time spent with her lake friends enjoying walks, card parties, and dining out. 

In May 1988, Judy married LeMoyne Martell. LeMoyne passed away in 2013. They lived in Sioux Falls, SD, before moving to the lake in Big Stone City in 1995. Judy embraced life with her love for gardening and flowers. She was passionate about tending to her garden, even in the sweltering summer heat. She loved fishing from the dock and was so proud of the 9 lb. 8 oz Walleye she caught there. Judy took her Grandchildren fishing with her, creating fond memories for them.

In 2020, after declining health, Judy moved in with her daughter, Cathy. Cathy along with her daughter Callie treasured the opportunity to care for their mom and grandma in their home. Konni and Mikayla spent many hours contributing to Judy's care at home. Cathy and her children will forever cherish the extra time they were able to share with her. Judy's Great Grandson, Danny loved visiting her and could always talk his "GiGi" into a game of Hide and Seek or spend time with her just sitting on her lap in her rocking chair. 

In Late 2024 Judy moved into Fairway View for Hospice Care, where she continued to be surrounded by the love and support of family and their caring and compassionate staff.

She is survived by her daughters: Konni Wellnitz of Dumont, MN; and Cathy Wellnitz-Pond of Big Stone City, SD; grandchildren: Mikayla Pond of Sioux Falls, SD; Joshua Pond of Big Stone City, SD; Callie Pond of Big Stone City, SD; step-grandson, Kyle Pond of Texas; great-grandson, Daniel Pond; siblings: Jeanne Skains of Montana; Robert (Patricia) Stenzel of Big Stone City, SD; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents: Ira and Margaret Stenzel; husband, LeMoyne Martell; and brother James Stenzel.