Merne Ray Judson, Sr.1923-2012 We give thanks to God for Merne R. Judson, Sr., known by “Jud” to his friends. He was born in Froid, Montana on November 24, 1923, but grew up on the family ranch north of New Underwood, South Dakota. He was the son of Ray and Anne Judson. He died on March 26, 2012 in Denver, Colorado. A graduate of New Underwood High School in 1941, Merne continued his education for three plus years at the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology at Rapid City, South Dakota. On June 21, 1944, Merne married, Elizabeth “Betty” Snesrud at Trinity Lutheran Church in Rapid City, South Dakota. Their first home was on the ranch, but they soon moved into Rapid City where Merne worked for several different companies, including Dakota Lime and Brick. Pursuing a job with Martin Marietta Company, Merne and Betty moved to Denver in December of 1956. In 1964 they opened a small business in South Denver, calling it Judson’s Hobbies and Crafts. Working together side by side for 25 years, this business continued until they retired in 1989. Merne was a member of Atonement Lutheran Church, Denver, Colorado and the Masonic Lodge. He also worked with Boy Scouts of America as a merit badge counselor for a number of years. He was an avid bowler, even traveling to bowl in the nationals in 1979. Whether at work or home or in the community, he was known as a person with a strong work ethic, having integrity in all he did, while wrapping all this in a good sense of humor. He joins the following in God’s everlasting care: His parents, twin sisters, Beth and Beatrice, daughter Lenore Judson, and a son, David Judson. Those who celebrate his life include: Elizabeth, his wife of 67 years; four sons, Merne Judson, Jr. (Sarah) of Gunnison, Colorado, John Judson (Patty) of Saguache County, Colorado, Mark Judson (Kim) of Mount Crested Butte, Colorado, and Paul Judson (Nancy) of Longmont, Colorado; a daughter-in-law, Kathryn Judson; 12 grandchildren; 1 great grand-child; 6 step-grandchildren; and 8 step great grand-children.