Judith Ann Marko

Judith Ann (Albright) Marko, age 87, of Pelican Rapids, MN passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, at Pelican Valley Senior Living.

Judith was born on May 20, 1938 in Pelican Rapids, MN to Walter and Lavone (Pearce) Albright in Pelican Rapids, MN. She was the big sister to five younger brothers. On October 29, 1946, the family brought the house on North Broadway, which became known as the Albright Homestead.

Judy graduated from Pelican Rapids High School in 1956. In 1958 Judy received her LPN License. She accepted a job at St. Francis hospital in Breckenridge, Minnesota. She moved to Minneapolis in the mid-1960’s. She worked at various hospitals: Minneapolis General, U of M Hospital, and then a lengthy career at St. Paul Ramsey as a surgical nurse. During her first years, she helped with early heart transplant operations.

On December 30,1983, she married the love of her life Jack Marko. A cattle caretaker for Hansmeier & Son, INC in Bristol, South Dakota. As a farmer’s wife, she learned to drive tractor, grow and can vegetables, and helped the veterinarian with the delivery of many calves. She continued her nursing career by taking a position as a surgical nurse at Webster, South Dakota.

Jack and Judy came to live in Pelican Rapids in 1995. First living with Judy’s mother, then buying a house in southwest Pelican.

Judy enrolled in Fergus Falls Community College in 1996. She took the remaining classes to get her RN License. This helped her to get a job working with Catholic Charities out of Fergus Falls. She worked with adolescents, counseling them through health and medical issues.

In 2014, they sold their house and moved into assisted living area River Front Manor.

Jack Marko passed away in 2015, just 8 days after brother Jim passed. Judy then moved into an apartment on Anne’s Lane street. In 2020 she moved into Pelican Valley Senior Living.

She enjoyed reading, sewing, and crafts. She was also a member of the V.F.W. Auxiliary.

Judy was proceeded in death by her parents and two brothers: Larry and Jim Albright. She is survived by nine stepchildren, brothers Dennis (Kay) Albright, Thomas Albright, sister-in-law Ardyce Albright, Chuck (Nanette) Albright, many nieces and nephews, and several great-nieces and great-nephews.

Burial will be at Lake View Cemetery in Pelican Rapids at a later date.

Judy’s faith, family, friends, and community were all priorities. We will miss her caring heart, loving kindness, and joking humor. So long for a while till we can meet again.