Judith Barbara Mary Meittunen Pelkey Haverkamp

On August 7, 2024 Jesus welcomed Judith Barbara Mary Meittunen Pelkey Haverkamp to her forever home. She was 86 years young! Born on July 8, 1938, in Hibbing, Minnesota, The Land of the Sleeping Giant, to Josephine and William Meittunen. Growing up in Marble, she was blessed to be surrounded by family in a place she called “Little Italy”. She graduated Salutatorian from Greenway High School. On June 8, 1956, she married Merel Pelkey and made their home at 42 Aspen Lane in Babbitt. Here they raised their four children, Kathy, Lori, Robert and Sandy. She loved working as the assistant editor at the Babbitt Weekly where she also had the opportunity to write many of the articles. She loved to write! We teased her about being Emily Dickenson. She was a very gifted writer, artist and storyteller. Life had many changes in store and as time marched on, she found herself as the new office administrator for Union Carbide/Praxair. Small town girl in the big city. Traveling to Chicago and New York City for business! She welcomed the challenge. Embraced the city. Took classes at the college and was a lifelong learner. On September 15, 2001, she married Jack Haverkamp and they began a new chapter on Lake Washington in Darwin. They found their church family here at St. John’s Catholic church where she was very involved with her parish. She had a strong faith and the areas that she was passionate about were the unborn babies, the rosary, the Blessed Mother and being a prayer warrior. Judy will be most remembered for her devotion to family, Italian hugs, love of people, babies, dogs, birds, rocks, storytelling, passion for the arts, and music . But most endearing was the Tsunami Wave and Iron Range Good-bye. Her loving family that will miss her hugs, stories, blessings are her Children: Kathy (Jerry) Maki, Lori Stangland, Robert Pelkey, Sandy (Dale) Dianoski, Grandchildren: Jerry II (Megan) Maki, Melissa (John) Borich, Richard Stangland, JoDee (Sandro) Lopez, Cassie (Miles) Dianoski and Henry Haverkamp. Great-grandchildren: Alexis Stangland, Addy Borich, Alondra Lopez, Anthony Lopez, Dakota Stangland, Finn Borich, Achilles Lopez, Cash Stangland and Waylon Maki. Those that are celebrating with her in Heaven are: Parents: William Meittunen, Josephine and Richard Harling, Sister: Dianne Levorson, Son-In-Law: Scott Stangland, Grandson: Derek Dianoski and numerous family and friends. LOVE KNOWS NO BOUNDARIES A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, August 13, 2024, at 1:30 p.m. at St. John's Catholic Church in Darwin with Father Jeffrey Horejsi officiating the Mass. A Rosary will be held at 12:00 p.m. at St. John's Catholic Church with a one hour visitation starting at 12:30 p.m. at the St. John's Catholic Church. A lunch will be served following the service for fellowship, stories and conversation. A private interment will be held on a later date. Memorials are preferred in lieu of flowers.

Judith Barbara Mary Meittunen Pelkey Haverkamp

July 8, 1938 - August 7, 2024