Judy DeNio Wachowiak, 72, of Clear Lake, formerly of Dows, passed peacefully surrounded by her family on Saturday, May 30, 2026, after a short illness at the University of Iowa Hospital.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, June 4, 2026, at Sefton Center, 203 West Train Street, Dows. Burial will take place at Fairview Cemetery in Dows.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 - 7:00 PM on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at Ewing Funeral Home, 1801 Central Avenue East in Clarion.

Judy Darlene (DeNio) Wachowiak, born on September 2, 1953, in Clarion, Iowa, was a true ray of sunshine who brightened the lives of everyone around her. Growing up on the family farm near Dows, Judy graduated from Dows High School and then pursued her Medical Assistant Certification at Iowa Central Community College in Fort Dodge.

Judy’s career journey was as varied as it was impactful—starting at Stitt Allen Stitt, then stepping up as Office Manager of Crossroads Mall in Fort Dodge, Fort Dodge Parks and Rec before dedicating her talents to Fort Dodge Housing until her retirement in 2018. Along the way, she was known for her infectious giggle and an ever-present joyful spirit that made work and life more delightful for all who knew her.

In 2022, Judy found a new chapter of happiness, marrying Rick Wachowiak and settling in Thor, Iowa. Family was at the heart of Judy’s world; she always stayed curious about everyone’s adventures and cared deeply for her loved ones. Her dad was her hero, and she missed her Mom daily.

A lover of lakes and the ocean, Judy appreciated living close to these beautiful waters in her later years. Her greatest passion, however, was for animals, especially her beloved furry companion, Dallas, who held a special place in her heart.

She is survived by her father Verl DeNio of Dows; brother Greg (Linda) DeNio of Dows; sister Nancy (Thad) Boyington of Hampton; five nephews and nieces: Joel (Courtney) DeNio of Iowa Falls, Susanne (Kim) Guimont of Plymouth, Minnesota, Kelli (Josh) Enabnit of Norwalk, Ryan (Nicole) Boyington of Norwalk and Andrew DeNio of Dows along with several great nephews and nieces that she adored.

She was preceded in death by her mother Opal and her husband Rick Wachowiak.