Judith "Judy" Margaret Marie Hertlein

The family of the late Judith Hertlein, beloved wife of Wayne Hertlein of Langenburg, Saskatchewan, announce her passing on March 17, 2026, at the age of 77 years.

Judith “Judy” Margaret Marie Propp was born on October 20, 1948, in Yorkton, Saskatchewan, to Victor and Elsie Propp (née Weinbender). Due to her father’s illness at the time of her birth, Judy was baptized later, on January 23, 1949, by Pastor Kraeger. Her baptismal sponsors were Jack and Mollie Propp.

Judy spent her early years in Rhein, enjoying childhood playtime with her close friend Sharon Liebrecht. She attended Grades 1 through 8 at Rhein School and later graduated from Yorkton Composite Collegiate. Her school years were happy and filled with friendships formed with classmates from the surrounding Yorkton area, especially her dear friends Carol Kozmech, Dianne Kohlert, and Janet Mehling.

Church life was an important part of Judy’s upbringing. She was actively involved in Sunday school, vacation Bible school, and played the organ. Judy was confirmed in 1963 by Pastor Henry Borchardt, with Proverbs 3:5 as her confirmation verse: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” Following her confirmation, she continued her involvement through Luther League and further organ playing.

Family and time together were always important to Judy. In the early years, many Sunday afternoons were spent near Donwell at Uncle Harold and Aunt Irene’s farm on the east side of the Whitesand River, or visiting Uncle Alex and Aunt Pauline Weinbender on the west side near Burgis. Summers often included Sundays at Madge Lake, with one full week spent there each year.

After graduating from Grade 12 in 1966, Judy pursued nursing at the Regina General Hospital School of Nursing. During her three years of training, she formed lasting friendships, including with her roommate Karen Prince. She graduated in 1969 and began her nursing career shortly thereafter.

In 1968, Judy met Wayne Hertlein on a blind date. The two were married on October 11, 1969. They gave birth to four children: Jody, Geoffrey, Lindsey, and Layne.

Judy’s nursing career began at Yorkton Hospital, followed by work at Russell Hospital. In 1979, she joined the Langenburg Centennial Special Care Home, where she spent much of her professional life while also helping on the family farm. She later expanded her work into wellness clinics for Home Care in Langenburg, Esterhazy, Spy Hill, Dubuc, and at times Stockholm. Judy also had a deep love for parish nursing and faithfully served at Christ Lutheran Church for 24 years.

Judy was active in her parish through her regular organ accompaniment and involvement in the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League (LWML) with friends Beryl Wagner, Karen Suehsschlof, and Nancy Adams.  Judy served as treasurer and Christian Growth Chairman at the LWML zone level as well as on the national Christian Mission Committee.

Judy was an active gardener and filled her family’s home with many preserves and homemade cooking or baking. She loved her flowers which filled spaces not occupied by her vegetables. Judy also taught piano and organ lessons to students in the Langenburg area or accompanied many local band students at the Potash Music Festival. In the remaining time of the day, she enjoyed her many crafts, particularly sewing and knitting.

Judy lived a life rooted in faith, family, service, and care for others. Though life was well spent, it passed far too quickly. Judy is survived by her husband, Wayne and children Jody, Lindsey (Jennifer) and Layne; grandchildren Spencer (Chelsea), Alissa, Johnna (Joe), Jenisey, Abigail (Will), and Erika. She is also survived by her brother Tim (Marcia) Propp, brothers-in-law Lionel (Gail) and Gary (Donna) Hertlein, aunts Margaret and Noreen Propp as well as numerous nephews, nieces and cousins.

Judy is predeceased by her parents Victor and Elsie Propp, infant son Geoffrey and infant great-grandson Oliver. She is also predeceased by aunts and uncles Mollie (Jack) Rommel, David (Rosemary) Propp, Richard Propp, Reinhold Propp, Helmut Propp, Mary (Fred) Lee, Martha (Jack) Livingston, Betty (Oscar) Fandrey, Alex (Pauline) Weinbender and Irene (Harold) Ehrlich. She is predeceased by her mother-in-law Martha Hertlein and cousins Doug Propp, Jan and David Livingston, Grant and Doug Fandrey, Quentin Weinbender and Robert Lee.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Ward 4D at Regina Pasqua Hospital, the Allan Blair Oncology Team, Hutch Ambulance Services of Moosomin, Langenburg Centennial Special Care Home, and Langenburg Health Centre Home Care for their support in allowing Judy to spend her last days in the arms of her family and home. A special thank you is extended to Tina, Carly, and Coralie for their outpouring of support, compassion and unwavering dedication, often going above and beyond.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Judy’s memory may be made to the Canadian Association for Parish Nursing Ministry (https://www.capnm.ca/sponsorship-donations/) or a charity of your choosing.