Judy Elaine Kropf

Judy Elaine Kropf, 79, of Waverly, Iowa (formerly of Lake View and Early, Iowa), passed away peacefully with her family at her side on Tuesday, March 17, 2026. She lived a life defined by compassion, quiet strength, and a deep commitment to caring for others.

Judy was born June 26, 1946 to Owen and Dixie (Belew) Higgins in Sherman, Texas. Growing up as a military dependent, Judy lived in many different parts of Texas and even spent some time living in Germany. She graduated from Sherman High School and attended college in Tyler, Texas, becoming a registered nurse, (later receiving her BSN from the University of Iowa). On January 6, 1973, Judy married the love of her life, Larry Mason Kropf. They began their life together while both were in the Army in Georgia. Over their 53 years of marriage, Judy and Larry lived in several communities, raised their three daughters, welcomed grandchildren to the world, and formed many lifelong friendships together. Judy enjoyed spending time with and cooking for her family, reading historical fiction novels, completing sewing projects, reenacting with their Civil War group, and teaching her daughters and grandchildren to cook and sew.

Judy answered a calling to serve others throughout her life. She proudly served as a nurse in the United States Army, providing care with dedication and strength. She later continued her nursing career at Buena Vista Regional Medical Center in Storm Lake, Iowa. Nursing was not simply her profession—it was her calling. She cared for her patients with skill, kindness, and dignity, offering comfort not only through her expertise, but through her genuine warmth and presence. To know Judy was to experience her selflessness and her unwavering willingness to put others first.

Whether in her family, her work, or her community, Judy gave generously of herself. Her legacy lives on in the lives she touched, the love she shared, and the example she set through a life of service and grace.

Judy was a devoted wife, loving mother, and proud grandmother. She is survived by her husband, Larry Mason Kropf; her daughters, Denise (Ryan) Dermody, Rebecca (David) Cox, and Patricia Kropf; her beloved grandchildren, Aiden Dermody, Ava Dermody, and Jacob Cox; and her brother, Marc (Cookie) Higgins. Judy is welcomed into the Lord’s embrace in heaven by her parents, Owen and Dixie Higgins, brother, Michael Higgins, grandchild, Regan Dermody, and several precious heavenly grandbabies.

Judy will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who knew and loved her.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 25, 2026 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway, West Des Moines, Iowa. Services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, March 26, 2026 at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway with a luncheon following. Burial will take place at Iowa Veterans Cemetery in Adel after the luncheon.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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