Judy Thomas

Judy Katherine Thomas (formerly Prehn), of Aberdeen, SD, passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 20, at Avera St. Luke’s Hospital in Aberdeen, surrounded by her family.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, October 5, 2026, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church.

A time for fellowship and lunch will follow Mass at the parish hall. 

Burial will be held at a later date. 

A visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 4, 2026, at Schriver's Memorial Chapel, with a Liturgical Wake beginning at 5:00 p.m.

Schriver’s Memorial Mortuary and Crematory, 414 5th Avenue NW, Aberdeen, is honored to serve Judy’s family. Friends and family may sign the online guestbook at www.schriversmemorial.com. Services will be recorded and posted on Schriver’s Facebook following the service.

Judy was born on June 19, 1947, in Redfield, SD, to Clayton and Helen (Campbell) Welke. She grew up on the family farm north of Redfield and was the oldest of six children. She shared her childhood with her siblings, Linda, Larry, Chuck, Rick, and Jeff.

Judy graduated from Redfield High School and attended Northern State University, where she earned her degree in Education. While attending NSU, Judy excelled in her studies and was also a cheerleader. She had a passion for physical education and accepted her first teaching position in Golden Valley, MN.

Judy later married Ron Prehn, and together they were blessed with two children, Matthew and Alissa. Over the years, the family made homes in the Twin Cities, Dawson, MN, and Brandon, SD, before spending 10 years in Mobridge, SD.

While raising her family, Judy was always generous with her time and talents. Her Catholic faith was an important part of her life, and she was an active and dedicated volunteer at St. Joseph Catholic Church. She especially enjoyed serving as a catechism teacher, sharing her faith with children and families.

In 1991, Judy and her family moved to Aberdeen, where she continued to volunteer at Roncalli Nearly New and in other areas of the Catholic Church. She found great joy in helping others and giving back to her community.

Judy later married her former Redfield classmate, Jerry Thomas. Together, they moved to Bismarck, ND, where Judy helped Jerry with his business. They enjoyed wonderful years together, sharing their time between Bismarck and Mesa, AZ. During those years, Judy made many new friends and cherished the friendships and memories she created along the way.

Judy later faced the challenges of Alzheimer’s disease. She eventually returned to Aberdeen, where she lived with her son and daughter-in-law before moving to Angelhaus. Her family is deeply grateful for the incredible years they shared with Judy and for the love, memories, and moments that will remain with them always.

She is survived by her children, Matt (Heidi Carrels) Prehn and Alissa (Jeffrey Lubinski) Prehn; her grandchildren and step-grandchildren, Maxwell Prehn, Anderson Prehn, Skya Jandt, Mason Carrels, and Simon Carrels; as well as her siblings, Linda Schmidt, Larry Welke, and Jeff (Nancy) Welke; and many extended family members and friends.

Judy was preceded in death by her parents, Clayton and Helen Welke, and her brothers, Chuck and Rick Welke. Her nephews Joseph Welke and Alex Welke.

Judy will be remembered for her love of family, her dedication to children and education, her strong Catholic faith, and her willingness to give her time to others. She touched many lives through her teaching, volunteering, friendships, and the love she gave to her family. There wasn’t a person Judy didn’t know, just a friend she had yet to make.

She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew her.