Longtime Rochester Nurse Judith 'Judy' Lehmkuhl Dies at 82

Lehmkuhl worked over 40 years at St. Mary's Hospital before retiring.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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Judith 'Judy' Kathleen Lehmkuhl, a longtime licensed practical nurse at St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester, Minnesota, passed away on February 19, 2026, at the age of 82. Judy was born in 1943 and graduated from St. Mary's School of Nursing before working at the hospital for over four decades.

Why it matters

Judy Lehmkuhl's passing marks the end of an era for St. Mary's Hospital, where she was a fixture for over 40 years. Her dedication to nursing and caring for patients made her a beloved figure in the Rochester community.

The details

Judy Lehmkuhl was born on May 8, 1943, to Merlin and Arlone (Hanson) Willford in Harmony, Minnesota. She attended school in Harmony and graduated in 1961 before going on to attend St. Mary's School of Nursing in Rochester. Judy married Robert R. Lehmkuhl on June 20, 1964, at Greenfield Lutheran Church in Harmony. The couple enjoyed hobbies like fishing, camping, hiking, and gardening together.

  • Judy Lehmkuhl was born on May 8, 1943.
  • She graduated from high school in Harmony, Minnesota in 1961.
  • Judy married Robert R. Lehmkuhl on June 20, 1964.
  • Judy passed away on February 19, 2026 at the age of 82.

The players

Judith 'Judy' Kathleen Lehmkuhl

An 82-year-old licensed practical nurse who worked at St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester, Minnesota for over 40 years before passing away.

Robert R. Lehmkuhl

Judy Lehmkuhl's husband, with whom she enjoyed hobbies like fishing, camping, hiking, and gardening.

Merlin and Arlone (Hanson) Willford

Judy Lehmkuhl's parents.

James Willford

Judy Lehmkuhl's brother who lives in Deer River, Minnesota.

Jon Willford

Judy Lehmkuhl's brother who lives in Lanesboro, Minnesota.

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The takeaway

Judy Lehmkuhl's long career as a nurse at St. Mary's Hospital touched countless lives in the Rochester community. Her dedication to caring for patients and her active lifestyle with her husband Robert set an inspiring example, and her passing marks the end of an era at the hospital.