Judy Kay Rommann Denison

Judy Kay Rommann Denison

Cedar Rapids

Judy Kay “Just Judy” Rommann Denison, 76, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, formerly of Center Point, Iowa, passed away on Monday, March 11, 2024. A service will be held at Murdoch Funeral Home, 622 Main Street in Center Point, Iowa, on March 23, 2024, at 4:30 p.m., followed by a celebration of her life at the Center Point Public Library Community Room, 720 Main Street, Center Point. Please join us in remembering her life. A livestream of the funeral service may be accessed on the funeral home website tribute page for Judy under “photos and videos or media,” starting at 4:30 p.m. on March 23.

Judy was born to Bert and Grace Rommann on June 23, 1947, in Vinton, Iowa. She grew up in Van Horne, Iowa, where she made lasting friendships with many classmates who remain her friends to this day. Bert later bought a farm and moved his family to Walker, Iowa, with Judy finishing her high school career with chores and cheerleading, graduating in 1965. Judy met and married Melvin Vavricek in 1966, while living on the family farm and together raised three boys. While raising their family and working on the farm, she also worked at Turner Microphone and Iowa Manufacturing.

Judy enjoyed meeting friends and neighbors, riding her horse during 4-H days, and raising livestock on the farm. Judy and Melvin divorced in 1982, and Judy married Robert Denison in June 1984. Judy and Bob later relocated to Wilmington, North Carolina, embracing a new life closer to the ocean. There, Judy developed a deep appreciation for the surf, sun, and dolphins, while also forming cherished friendships with another large group of people. She also worked in the senior living community, General Electric (making the fuel rods for Duane Arnold) and Corning Glass (making fiberoptics). She made sure to talk to Mom and Dad back home every day.

Rod was in the Marines stationed in North Carolina and was a frequent visitor. Cary and Matt Holub moved to Raleigh, North Carolina, and came to the beach (almost) every weekend. Nick spent his life on the piers fishing (chumming for Spanish Mackerel) or when the spots were running.

Judy is survived by her husband, Bob; sons, Rodney Wayne, Cary Edward (Jamie), and Nicolas James (Jennifer); grandchildren, Chase (Taylor) Merchant, Mia Kay Vavricek, Brittany (Kevin) Carter, Erica Kay (Austin) Palmer, Jayme Vavricek, Kellen Royce Vavricek, and Fisher James Vavricek; and great-grandchildren, Oakley, Knox, and Arthur.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Bert and Grace Rommann; and her granddaughter, Leah Kristin Christiansen.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Hospice of Mercy, as well as to all the dear friends and family members who visited. Their support and kindness were a true celebration of life.

Please share a memory of Judy at www.murdochfuneralhome.com under obituaries.