Judith Ann Karch

Judith (Judy) Ann Tryhus was born on December 31st, 1949, in Minot ND, the daughter of Herman (Bud) and Joyce Tryhus. She was the oldest of eight children. She attended South Prairie Elementary School and Minot High School. Judy went on to graduate from Valley City State University with a degree in Music Education. On August 22nd, 1970, she married her sole mate Melvin Karch in Minot, ND. In 1974 they welcomed their son Chris and in 1978 their daughter Nicki was born. Judy taught music education for Marion Public School in Marion, ND. For the last 25 years of employment, she was an administrative assistant at Lafarge Holcim in Valley City when she retired in December 2017. She was the organist at Our Saviors Lutheran Church for 48 years. She also sang in the church choir and held other positions within the church. Judy sang with the Valley Voices choir in Valley City. You could also find her playing at many funerals and weddings in the community. She served as President and was the current Secretary of the Valley City Lions Club. Often you would find her popping popcorn at many of the Valley City High School activities. She was also a member of the Valley City Eagles Auxiliary and Homemakers Club. She enjoyed playing the organ and piano, gardening, fishing, and reading. Most of all she loved her grandchildren. She and Mel traveled to as many of their activities as possible. She is survived by her husband of almost 56 years, Son Chris (Brenda) Karch of Brookings, SD, Nicki (Justin Stringer) of Valley City, ND. Sisters Cheryl Nilsen, Kathy (Dean) Clott; Brothers, Rodney Tryhus, Brian (Mary West) Tryhus, Neil (Christy) Tryhus, and sister-in-law Cheryl Tryhus. She was welcomed to Heaven by her parents, Mel’s parents Marvin and Bernita Karch, sister Gail Moore and her husband Alan. Brother Lance Tryhus, brother-in-law Pastor John Nilsen, and grandson Hunter Karch. Judy passed away at the age of 76 at Mercy Hospital in Valley City on July 20th, 2026. The funeral service will be Thursday, July 28th at 2:00pm at Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Valley City, ND. There will be a prayer service on Monday July 27th at 7:00pm with a gathering time starting at 6:00pm at the church. Internment will be held at Memory Gardens in Valley City. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Traditions Funeral Service, Valley City ND. An online guestbook is available at www.olivernathanchapel

Judith Ann Karch

December 31, 1949 - July 20, 2026