Judith Polsfut

Garrison

Judith “Judy” Kathleen Polsfut, 76, Garrison, passed away on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at a Minot assisted living facility.

Judy was born March 4, 1950, in Turtle Lake, North Dakota, to Lawrence and Ruby (Lauer) Wahl, Judy grew up in Turtle Lake, where she experienced the contrast of early city life before embracing the hard-working rhythm of dairy cattle and farm living in Max ND. Those early years shaped her strong work ethic, her resilience, and her deep appreciation for the simple joys of life.

Judy was married to Allen Polsfut, with whom she had five children. Though they later divorced, her commitment to family remained unwavering. Judy’s life was enriched by her passion for gardening, where she demonstrated a remarkable talent for cultivating abundant harvests, which she generously shared with family, friends, and neighbors. Her love of nurturing extended beyond her garden. In 1989 Judy built the Centennial Café that she operated in Max, North Dakota until 1996. There, she delighted the public with her exceptional cooking and baking, offering hearty meals and unforgettable pastries that filled her kitchen with warmth and hospitality.

In her later years, Judy found companionship with Dennis Ness, her devoted partner of over 30 years. She worked at Trinity Nursing home as a CNA and later as a Ward Secretary until her retirement. Together, they made their home in Garrison, where Judy continued to embrace community traditions, particularly through her involvement at the Garrison Lamplighters Senior Center,

Family was at the heart of Judy’s world. She cherished the time spent with her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and extended family, each of whom she loved dearly. Her home was always open for playing cards & listening to music Her home was always open for playing cards & listening to music. Her table was always full, and her laughter ever-present. Judy had an extraordinary gift for making people feel welcome, valued, and well-fed.

Judy is survived by her significant other, Dennis Ness: children, Kim Valgren, Minot, Chad (Patty) Polsfut, Bismarck, Carma (Pete) McLaughlin, Minot, Shanon (Elaine) Polsfut, Minot, and Paul (Heather) Polsfut, Minot; brothers, Jim Wahl, Riverdale, ND and Fred (Colleen) Wahl North Pratte, NE; and sister-in-law, Joyce Wahl, Bismarck. She also leaves behind grandchildren, great grandchildren, along with numerous nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Lawrence “Shorty’ and Ruby Wahl; brothers, Larry Wahl, Jerry Wahl, Richard “Dick” Wahl and Dennis Wahl; niece, Jan Yale; and grandson, Matthew Polsfut.

Per Judy’s wishes, no funeral will be held, and cremation has taken place. Please remember her by a special moment that she touched in your life. The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Caring Edge Hospice for their compassionate care during Judy’s final days. A special and sincere thank you goes to the staff and management of Edgewood Cookies Cottage for the exceptional love, dignity, and kindness shown to Judy. You truly are angels, and she was blessed to be in your care.

Judy will be deeply missed for her tireless work ethic, culinary brilliance, generosity, and unwavering love as a mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, and friend.

Those wishing to sign the online register and share memories may access the online obituaries section at (www.thompsonlarson.com).

Published by The Minot Daily News, March 14, 2026.