Obituary
Judi Lynne (Henke) Vorderbruggen
March 30, 1958 – October 21, 2021
Judi Lynne (Henke) Vorderbruggen was born on March 30, 1958 in Monticello, MN, the daughter of Ruben and Elizabeth (Hagedorn) Henke. Judi was raised in Brandon, MN where she graduated from Brandon High School. She then attended Alexandria Technical College where she obtained an Associate Degree in Computer Programming.
Judi met the love of her life, Mark Vorderbruggen, in New Hope, MN. Judi and Mark were united in marriage on September 19, 1981 at St. Ann’s Church in Brandon, MN. Judi and Mark had no children of their own but were blessed with a large extended family and many nieces and nephews, including five godchildren.
Judi and Mark loved adventure and built and/or remodeled many homes between the Minneapolis area and in Florida. Many years the annual Christmas letter included a change of address. For twenty years, they had a lake lot near Annandale, MN, and have many wonderful memories of the special times spent there with family and friends. Judi and Mark traveled the world and especially enjoyed their 17 cruises, holidays in Aruba, ski trips and European adventures.
Judi always appreciated a big beautiful kitchen to prepare her delicious meals and baked treats. Judi and Mark were part of a monthly Dinner Club for many years which featured a variety of themes and cuisines from around the world. Judi was loved by everyone who knew her. She was fun to be around and was always interested in what was important to those around her. She had a talent for making you feel special.
Judi began her professional career at Decision Systems Inc. in Minneapolis where she managed software development for 26 years. This position brought them to live in Australia for 1 ½ years to open a new international office for the company. After moving to Florida, Judi was a residential property contract manager for FirstService Residential until her retirement in August 2021.
Judi was the ultimate planner and organizer. She always knew what needed to be done and accomplished it. Upon her diagnosis with Stage 4 cancer in August 2019, Judi continued to work full time from home. Many days she would put on her high heels for the walk to her home office. Judi never gave up hope, going through chemotherapy, immunotherapy and other medical treatments right up until the end.
On Thursday, October 21, 2021 Judi peacefully transitioned to eternal life at home in her own bed surrounded by her loving family. Judi was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her husband of 40 years, Mark Vorderbruggen; sisters Maggie (Irven) Grove, Mary Lee (Mike) Korkowski, and Phyllis Henke; and many nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Judi’s Life will be held in Brandon, MN in spring 2022. Details will follow. In lieu of flowers, memorials to cancer research in her honor are preferred.
What a beautiful soul. You are the kindest and most giving person I have ever met. From the first day I met you at the bus stop (Northumberland apartments in New Hope) when our bus didn’t show, we were freezing cold, you invited us all up to your apartment for hot cocoa and maybe a little something in it! We became instant neighbors, friends and bus buddies. Always arranging apartment parties and socializing. We both met our husbands there and continued a life long friendship no matter the distance. Always looking forward to the Vorderbruggen Christmas card to see your newest adventures and travels (and changing your address in my address book!) Loved when you guys would bop in and surprise us when you were back in MN heading up North. Judi, your smile, your adventure for life touched so many hearts, you will be deeply missed but forever remembered .
My sympathies and hug Mork. Will see you in Brandon for an official hug.
All my love, Tammy
Judi would light up a room with her warm smile, hugs & hospitality! She's beautiful inside and out.
Judi's sweet voice would add to the way she touched people's lives!
Mark and Dan met at work.They found out they were both engaged and building a home in the same development. Everything clicked from there, unplanned , both of us couples ended up at the same Pre-marriage program at the Catholic Youth Center in Mpls.
That's how our story unfolded, an everlasting friendship, no matter the distance.
We're Blessed to know you Judi! Thank you for spreading such kindness!
Love you, Dan & Terese