Judy M. (Zuehlke) Norenberg

We regretfully announce the passing of Judy Marie Norenberg, 65, of Shelby, on November 26th, 2021. Judy passed away after a lifelong battle of rheumatoid arthritis with her husband by her side.

Judy was born in Shelby, on May 31, 1956 where she resided most of her life.  She was raised by two loving parents with her sisters and had a handful of close cousins that lived nearby. She attended Shelby Schools and graduated in 1974.  Judy held many jobs throughout the years.  One of her first jobs was at the Harold Henry Ranch as a ranch hand where she had the perk of keeping her beloved horse, Paint. The COD Laundry where it was more of a daily family reunion than a job. Next, she went to Marias Packing Plant where she started stalking the love of her life, Mike.  They made a move out to the county where they lived for a few years before finding their forever home back in town.  Then she settled on her lasting career of helping raise some of Shelby’s youth at the Civic Center where she had retired after 30+ years in 2018.  Judy was a fighter, the strongest, most courageous, and kindest woman.  “We were blessed to have her as the rock of our family.’

On April 15th, 1976, she married her soul mate, Mike Norenberg, and together they had 2 children, Jeremy and Heidi. Judy had a very strong bond with her children that was an uncanny balance between friendship and motherhood. We will never be able to fill the space left behind by her.

Judy loved spending time with her family, especially camping trips and drives. She cherished the adventurous cruises she was able to enjoy with Mike. To pass the time she was fond of reading, writing letters, doing puzzles, and winning scratchers.   Her grandkids meant everything to her and watched all she could to support their school activities, sports, and attended graduations.

Judy was preceded in death by her parents, Francis William Zuelhlke and Neva Mae Voorhies Zuehlke; her sister, Mary Ruth Christiaens; her cat of more than 9 lives, Fritz; and grand dog, Rocco.

Judy is survived by husband, Mike Norenberg; son, Jeremy (Amanda) Norenberg of Kalispell; daughter, Heidi (Hunter) Barnes of Shelby; granddaughter, Maura Jade Marie Barnes of Shelby; grandson, Tanner Michael Owen Norenberg of Kalispell; and bonus grandson, Tanner Kai Cooper Jones of Kalispell;  sister, Winnie (Bob) Morris of Conrad; nieces and nephews, Bill Mecklenburg, Jesse Fey, Neva Fladager, Patrick Fey, Phillip Smith, Cole Christiaens, and Joel Christiaens; and of course, we cannot leave out her grand dogs, Romeo and Jax.

Services will be held Saturday December 18th, 2 pm at Whitted Funeral Chapel Shelby. A reception at the Shelby Fire Hall, 125 7th Ave N, Shelby, MT 59474 will follow the service.

“The way I see it, every life is a pile of good things and bad things. The good things don’t always soften the bad things, but vice versa, the bad things don’t always spoil the good things and make them unimportant.” -The 11th Doctor