Judith "Judy" Ann Hengstenberg's Obituary
Judith (Judy) Ann Hengstenberg, age 88, of Centerville, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 26, 2026 at Oakwood Specialty Care in Albia, leaving behind a lifetime of treasured memories, enduring friendships, and unwavering love for her family.
Judy was born on December 12, 1937 in Moline, Illinois, the daughter of Harry and Wanda (Frazell) Dooley. At a young age, her family made Centerville their home, where Judy grew up and cemented the lifelong friends and small-town values that she carried with her throughout her life. She graduated from Centerville High School with the Class of 1956.
On June 2, 1956, Judy was united in marriage to the love of her life, Harlan Hengstenberg. Together they built a beautiful life centered on love, laughter, hard work, and devotion to family. Their marriage was blessed with four children: Mark, Craig, Eric, and Jennifer, all of whom were a source of pride and joy.
Judy found happiness in life's simple pleasures and especially loved spending time outdoors. She could often be found tending to her flowers, admiring the beauty of nature, or quietly birdwatching. She also enjoyed golfing, lively games of bridge, and relaxing evenings spent watching classic westerns with Harlan. Later in life, one of the highlights of her week was attending her Friday morning breakfast club gatherings, where friendship and laughter were always plentiful.
A woman deeply involved in her community, Judy was a lifelong member of the Order of the Eastern Star and proudly served as a former Worthy Matron. She was a member of the Appanoose Country Club and the Elks Lodge, where she formed many lasting friendships over the years. Judy also enjoyed working to reunite her classmates around Centerville Homecoming celebrations.
Judy will be remembered for her quick smile and the love she so freely shared with those around her. Her legacy lives on through her family and the countless lives she touched throughout her 88 years.
Left to cherish Judy's memory are her children, Mark Hengstenberg, Craig Hengstenberg, Eric (Tonia) Hengstenberg, and Jennifer Hengstenberg (Karl Greene); eight grandchildren; Nicole Fenton-Smith, Chad Hengstenberg, Heather Robinson, Joshua Hengstenberg, Rebecca VanBockern, Haley Floyd, Jacob Hengstenberg, and Abigail Hengstenberg; 13 great grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren; her sister, Loretta Wiley; as well as several extended family members.
Judy was preceded in death by her parents, Harry and Wanda Dooley; her husband, Harlan Hengstenberg; and her granddaughter Sidney Hengstenberg.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, May 30, 2026 at Thomas Funeral Home in Centerville with Pastor Sarah Rohret officiating. Burial will follow the service at Haines Cemetery, north of Centerville. Visitation will take place Saturday, May 30, 2026 at Thomas Funeral Home, with the family greeting friends from 10-11 a.m. A memorial has been established to the University of Northern Iowa, Dementia Simulation House, and may be mailed to Thomas Funeral Home, ATTN: Hengstenberg Family, 501 North 18th Street, Centerville, Iowa 52544. Condolences may be shared online at https://www.thomasfh.com or https://www.facebook.com/thomasfuneralhome .
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