Jule Hudgens

Jule Rae Hudgens, a loving, devoted wife, beloved sister, mother, grandmother and dear friend to many, slipped peacefully into the arms of her Savior on December 7, 2025, surrounded by family at Lightways Hospice Care in Joliet, IL. Jule was an inspiration to many through her strong faith, quiet courage, and unwavering devotion to those she loved. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, January 10th, with visitation beginning 1 hour prior to the services at 10:00am in the Sanctuary of Faith Community Church in Palmer, IA with Pastor Russ Weller officiating. Burial will follow at Cedar Cemetery in Sac County.

Jule's journey began in the heart of Sac County, Iowa, where she was born at home in Sac City on July 27, 1939-a true Iowa girl whose roots remained a steady compass throughout her life. She is reunited in heaven with her parents, Claus and Ella Krohn and her brother, Larry, all who preceded her in death. Their memories remained close to her heart throughout her life.

Jule's faith was woven into her life from the beginning. She was baptized at her grandparents' farm in Fonda, Iowa by Rev. Gold of the Lutheran Church in Lytton and later confirmed at St. Paul's American Lutheran Church in Manson on April 11, 1954. She proudly graduated from Manson Community High School in 1957, carrying with her the small-town values of hard work, kindness, and perseverance that shaped her entire life.

In 1958, Jule married Clarence Krause, Sr. at St. Paul's in Manson. Together they raised five children-Nancy (William) Diedrick, Kathy Storbeck, Becky (Dave) Tribe, Clarence (Kimberly) Krause, Jr. and Timothy (Tiffanie) Krause-who survive her and will forever be grateful for the love, humor, and steadfast support she poured into their lives.

Life later offered Jule a rare and beautiful second chapter in love. On December 15, 2007, she married her lifelong friend of more than fifty years, John Robert Hudgens, Sr., at First Presbyterian Church in Morris, Illinois. Their bond was one built not only on time, but on true companionship. Those who knew them often said their marriage felt "made in heaven"-and they believed it too. She continued to be blessed with adult children by virtue of this union; John Hudgens, Jr., Scott (Beverly) Hudgens, and Gary (Alicia) Hudgens.

Jule leaves behind a large and loving family. She is survived by her devoted husband, John; her sister, Janice Lange; her brother, Kenneth (Beth) Krohn; her and John's children; twenty-four grandchildren; twenty-six great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.

Nancy (Bill):
Shane (Beth); Will, Aiden, Evan & Kathrine
Sarah (John); Becca
Nina; Anna, Alyssa & Angelo
Nick (Alexa); Mason & Kalynn

Kathy:
Heather (Mike); Ashley, her children, Adromeda & Aria, Russell, deceased & Alex
Christopher (Jen); Logan, Mason, Carter, Bella & Kennick
Melissa (Derek); Zoey & Gage

Becky (Dave):
Patrick; Ryder
Jacob (Adeline); Jackson

Clarence Jr. (Kimberly):
Brianna (Bobby); Parker & Sutton
Devon
Lauren (Tyron); Daylon

Timothy (Tiffanie):
Kaeli (Logan); Beau
Amber
Remington

John Jr., deceased:
John III (Erika)
Justin

Scott (Beverly):
Stefanie (Justin)
Keith (Brittany)

Gary (Alicia):
Jordan
Amanda (Corey)
Erin
Ashley
Kaylee

Jule was also preceded in death by her children's father, Clarence Krause, Sr., brother-in-law, Bob Lange, her stepson, John Hudgens, Jr., and grandson, Russell Williams.

A woman of unwavering work ethic and curiosity, Jule lived many lives within one lifetime. She served as a Jail Officer in Sac County from 1991 to 2001 and previously managed a 94-unit apartment complex in Illinois, roles that drew on her natural leadership, organization, and ability to connect with people from all walks of life. After retiring, she returned to Illinois to be near her children and worked as a merchandiser for American Greeting Cards, delighting in the creativity and connection it brought.

But if you asked Jule what truly colored her world, she'd tell you about her hobbies. She enjoyed exploring the genealogy of her and her children's families, along with quilting, knitting, music, and socializing. She pieced quilts with love and purpose, crafting keepsakes for each family member that will be cherished for generations. She enjoyed time spent in quilting groups, learning the game of golf, serving with Friends of the Library, contributing to PEO, and supporting veterans through the VFW Auxiliary. Her gardens, both floral and vegetable, were her sanctuary, and she nurtured them with the same care she gave to her family.

Jule lived a life stitched together with faith, family, friendship, and creativity. She was steady yet spirited, strong yet soft-spoken, practical yet joyfully social. Her love lives on in every quilt she stitched, every flower she raised, and every life she touched.

May her memory be as warm and enduring as the legacy of love and respect she leaves behind, stitched forever into the quilts she lovingly crafted.