Judith Krebsbach

Judith Krebsbach, 75, of rural Traer, Iowa, passed away on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at Keystone Nursing Care Center in Keystone, Iowa. Judith will leave behind a legacy of kindness, faith, creativity, and unconditional love. Above all else, she was a devoted mother whose greatest joy and proudest role was her family. Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Gabriel Catholic Church, 21275 U Avenue, Reinbeck, IA 50669. Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, with a vigil service starting at 6:00 p.m. at St. Gabriel Catholic Church. Interment will take place following the service at St. Gabriel Catholic Church Cemetery. A time for fellowship where lunch will be served will be at St. Gabriel Catholic Church.

Judie was known for her extraordinary kindness. She never met a stranger—only friends she hadn’t yet gotten to know. Her gentle spirit, soft voice, and patient heart made people feel welcomed and valued. She was a wonderful listener, a thoughtful teacher to children, and a steady presence in the lives of those she loved.

Her faith was central to her life. She was deeply involved in her church, faithfully attending Mass each week and living the values passed down from her parents. Music was an important expression of that faith. She loved singing and being part of the church choir, which became a second family to her and a source of joy, connection, and belonging.

A true creator at heart, Judie found beauty everywhere. She had a deep love for fiber arts, including spinning, weaving, sewing, knitting, crocheting, quilting, cross-stitching, dyeing yarn, and painting shirts. She was an avid reader with interests ranging from history and historical fiction to Irish literature, fantasy, science, fiber arts guides, and nature guides. Music also filled her life—she played guitar, piano, ukulele and loved to sing.

Her love of nature was evident in her gardens and home. She tended a large vegetable garden that helped feed her family and others, grew beautiful flowers, created thoughtful arrangements, planted trees to surround her home, and filled her space with indoor plants. Caring for living things came as naturally to her as caring for people.

Judie lived a life of service, learning, and determination. Over the years, she worked as a cosmetologist, CNA, farmer, student, county employee with the NRCS, and for the State of Iowa and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, contributing to work in water quality and the reclamation of mine sites. No matter the role, she did what needed doing and did it with integrity.

She loved unconditionally, encouraged free thought, and gave the very best hugs. Her children always knew they were loved—no matter what.

She is survived by her loving husband, Larry Krebsbach; children, Wayde (April) Krebsbach, Jennifer Hazelwood, Darrell (Amber) Krebsbach, Sara (Joseph) Eggers and Molly (Steven) Krebsbach Schlotter; grandchildren, Faith Beck, Alex Hazelwood, Austin Hazelwood, Marie Eggers, Mackenson Eggers; great grandchildren, siblings, Mary Bassett and Mark Bassett; and many extended family members, friends, previous coworkers and choir members who will miss her deeply. She was preceded in death by her parents, Richard and Frances Bassett.

Though our hearts are heavy, we are grateful for the life she lived, the beauty she created, and the love she gave so freely. Her legacy lives on in the lives she touched and the family she held together with grace.