Judy Kay (Staska) Dunn

Judy K. Dunn, 77, of Manchester, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, at home surrounded by her family.  Judy was born on May 20, 1949, in Decorah, Iowa, to Evelyn and Victor Staska.  She graduated from South Winneshiek Community High School in 1967 and in 1971 graduated from the University of Iowa.  From that point on she was a homemaker and “Supermom” to her children until her youngest graduated from high school.  Her children were always her number one priority and will forever be her legacy.

In 1970, Judy was united in marriage to Michael Dunn in Iowa City and two children were born.  They resided in Cedar Rapids, Greene, and finally called Manchester home.  They later divorced in 1990. She then met Bruce Trapp, having had a loving relationship for 36 years. Together they built their dream home on an acreage outside Manchester. 

Her beautiful spirit blessed the First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Manchester as a full-time organist, Sunday school volunteer and choir accompanist for 30 years.   She also enjoyed playing for the Penn Center residents in the early 80s.  Her passion was in teaching and interacting with the students, especially those students with special needs, dedicating 28 years towards making a difference in their lives.  She was an active member of TTT and PEO. She also served on the city of Manchester Parks & Rec committee. 

In her prime, Judy was fun-loving, free-spirited and a bit of a wild child.  We will always fondly remember her casseroles (most notably her hamballs and barbeque meatballs), sun bathing, love of classical music, “hostess with the mostest”, practicing the piano, the beautiful way she wrapped gifts, watching her Iowa Hawkeyes, her long jet black hair, her laughter, going out to eat, decorating for every season, traveling, throwing the best birthday parties, crafting, insisting on helping with homework, the smell of her opium perfume, her million-dollar smile, accompanying for weddings and funerals, and ultimately her unconditional love and care of her family. She loved spending time with family, bonding with her school friends, gardening and canning, tending to her flowers and plants, cooking, and trips to her favorite destination, Longboat Key, Florida. 

She will be forever missed and fondly remembered by her loving husband Bruce Trapp; daughter, Tirzah (Ron) Wedewer; son, Nate (Ruthie) Dunn; stepchildren, Brandon (Megan) Trapp and Tana (Joe) Fourdyce; her siblings, Jean Erickson and John (Peg) Staska; brothers-in-law, Scott (Suzanne) Trapp and Chris (Julie) Trapp; sister-in-law, Barb Trapp; grandchildren, Seth (Anna) Wedewer, Zach Wedewer, Eve Wedewer (fiancé Ethan Basile), Rowan Donels, Ty Donels, Jonah Fourdyce, Avah Fourdyce, Breka Trapp, and Owen Trapp; and great grandkids, Jack Wedewer and Clark Wedewer.

Joining Jesus at the gates of Heaven to welcome her were her parents, Evelyn & Victor; her in-laws, Herb and Millie Trapp; and brothers-in-law, Jerry Erickson and Brian Trapp.  

The family will be forever grateful for the care and expertise from Regional Medical Center, Dr. Ann Stroh, University of Iowa Hospital medical and palliative care teams, Good Neighbor Rehab to Home, Care Initiatives of Manchester and all the visiting nurses.  They are also extremely grateful for the outpouring of love and support of Judy's and the family's friends.  

In lieu of any flowers and gifts, the family would like donations to be made to Care Initiatives of Manchester.
 

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