Judith Kathleen Polsfut

Judith Kathleen Polsfut, 76, of Garrison, North Dakota, passed away peacefully on March 11, 2026, in Minot, North Dakota. Born on March 4, 1950, in Turtle Lake, North Dakota, to Lawrence and Ruby Wahl, Judy grew up first in town before her family moved to a dairy farm near Max. Those early years instilled in her a strong work ethic, resilience, and a deep appreciation for life’s simple pleasures.

Judy married Allen Polsfut and together they raised five children. Though they later divorced, her devotion to family never wavered. She had a remarkable talent for gardening, growing abundant harvests that she freely shared with family, friends, and neighbors. In 1989, she built and operated the Centennial Café in Max, where she delighted customers with her exceptional cooking and baking until 1996. Her hearty meals and warm hospitality left a lasting impression on all who entered her kitchen.

In her later years, Judy shared a loving partnership of more than 30 years with Dennis Ness. She worked at Trinity Nursing Home as a CNA and later as a Ward Secretary until her retirement. The couple made their home in Garrison, where Judy remained active in her community, especially at the Garrison Lamplighters Senior Center. She cherished time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, always welcoming them with open doors, card games, music, and a full table.

Judy is survived by her partner, Dennis Ness; her children, Kim Valgren of Minot, Chad (Patty) Polsfut of Bismarck, Carma (Pete) McLaughlin of Minot, Shanon (Elaine) Polsfut of Minot, and Paul (Heather) Polsfut of Minot; her brothers, Jim Wahl of Riverdale and Fred (Colleen) Wahl of North Platte, Nebraska; her sister-in-law, Joyce Wahl of Bismarck; and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Lawrence “Shorty” and Ruby Wahl; her brothers, Larry, Jerry, Richard “Dick,” and Dennis Wahl; her niece, Jan Yale; and her grandson, Matthew Polsfut.