Judith Buckner
Judith Buckner
Judy Buckner of Benson passed away at the Scandi Haven Memory Care Center in Benson, Minnesota, September 21, 2026, at the age of 82.
Judith Ann Buckner was born October 19, 1943, in Olivia, Minnesota to Earl and Laura (Oliver) Smith. She was baptized July 30, 1944, in Plainville, Minnesota. Because her father worked in highway construction, she grew up in many locations in the southern part of the state, but primarily in Caledonia, Minnesota. She graduated in 1963 from Caledonia High School. After graduation, she attended Northwestern Hospital School of Nursing in Minneapolis. After receiving her Registered Nurse (RN) certification, she worked at Northwestern Hospital, Methodist Hospital, and the St. Louis Park Medical Center all located in the Twin Cities metro area.
In April 1965, she married Robert Buckner at the Methodist Church in Caledonia. After their marriage, they lived in Hopkins until 1968 when they relocated to Benson, Minnesota where both were offered employment. Their marriage was blessed with two children, Rebecca and Bradley.
Judy worked as a nurse at the Swift County Benson Hospital for many years and truly enjoyed taking care of people. She also worked at the Meadow Lane Healthcare Center and eventually with Countryside Public Health until her retirement.
Judy was an active member of Our Redeemer’s Lutheran Church and served on many boards and committees including the Health Ministry Committee and the Altar Guild. Because she was a cancer survivor, she helped form the Breast Cancer Support Group. She very much enjoyed the outdoors and was an avid gardener. Judy also enjoyed camping, baking and canning, and walking. As an avid reader, she never missed an opportunity to get her hands on a Nora Roberts novel. In her spare time, she volunteered at the Prairie Five food shelf for many years.
Judy is survived by children Becky (Michael) Hughes of Renville, MN; and Brad (Jolissa) Buckner of Minneapolis, MN; grandchildren: Emily (Andrew) Lund of Hawley, MN and Tyler Buckner (USAF, Creech AFB, NV), and great-grandchild Amelia Lund.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Robert; her parents Earl and Laura; in-laws Bill and Alice Buckner.
Zniewski Funeral Home of Benson is assisting the family; and per her request, a small private ceremony will be held.
She will be greatly missed by her family and friends.
Blessed be her memory.
