Judy Chesley

Homestead-Judy Ann Chesley was born December 23, 1947, the daughter of Herbert and Marie (Eichacker) Fels. She graduated from Amana High School in 1966. Judy was united in marriage to James Demmel in 1966. To this union they were blessed with four children. They later divorced. Judy then married Darrell Chesley in 1978. They were together for 37 years before separating. Judy proudly co-owned and operated Chesley Trucking. She also worked at Hummer Trucking as dispatch. Judy was a member of the Amana Church, the Homestead Welfare Club, and served on the board of the ACLUD. Judy enjoyed animals, attending chuck wagon races, and most of all her grandchildren. Judy died Monday, March 9, 2026, at Rose Haven Nursing Home in Marengo at the age of 78 years.

She is survived by her children, Jeff Demmel (Kris Gibson) of South Amana, Jennifer Philipp of Palo, and Joel (Becky) Demmel of Amana; 8 grandchildren, Lindsey (Zach) Nelson, Natalie (Blake) Kuesel, Kylie Demmel, Matt Demmel, Hunter Philipp, Stone Philipp (Abbe), Jenna Demmel and Sydney Demmel; 6 great-grandchildren, Elliot, Ethan and Emersyn Kuesel, Holland and Haven Nelson, and Sutton Philipp (due in July); and her special friend, Robert Graesser. She was preceded in death by her parents, son, John Demmel, brother Ron Fels, her first husband, James Demmel, and her son-in-law Fred Sonny Philipp.

Funeral Service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 14, 2026 at the Middle Amana Church, with Elder Andrea Haldy officiating. Burial will be in the Homestead Cemetery. Visitation will be Friday from 4:30-6:30 p.m. at the Middle Amana Church. A memorial fund has been established for the Amana Church or Essence of Life Hospice. Powell Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Marengo is caring for Judy and her family. Messages may be left at www.powellfuneralhomes.com