Judith Vagts

Judith Vagts, age 88, of Ossian, IA, passed away on Saturday, July 19, 2025, at Ossian Care Center in Ossian, IA.

Memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, August 16, 2025, at Ossian Lutheran Church, 305 Jessie St., Ossian, IA, with Rev Daryl Schultz presiding. Burial will be in Hillside Cemetery following the service.

Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service on Saturday at the church.

Judith Pearl (Moschel) Vagts, a quiet yet deeply loving woman whose presence brought warmth, generosity, and steadfast love to all who knew her, passed away peacefully on July 19, 2025, surrounded by her family. Judy was born on August 16, 1936, to Albert and Eva (Dummermuth) Moschel. Growing up on the family farm outside of Hawkeye, IA, she developed a lifelong love for animals. Following her graduation from West Union High School, she worked as a telephone operator.

On August 17, 1958, Judy married her forever love, Bud Vagts, in Eldorado, IA. Together, they made their home in Ossian, IA, where they established the Ossian Veterinary Clinic. While raising their four children—Beth, Lisa, Lori, and Robert—Judy played an integral role in building the practice. Whether greeting clients, answering phones, or managing the books, she did it all with grace and dedication.

She had a deep love for travel and the adventures it brought. Whether it was a road trip Up North, a scenic drive through the countryside, or a journey farther from home, she cherished every opportunity to explore new places and create lasting memories with those she loved.

Judy was an avid reader who took delight in finding the perfect books for herself and others to enjoy. She was also a gifted cook, known for the meals that gathered her family around the table and turned her kitchen into a place of comfort, laughter, and connection.

She never missed a county fair or a baseball game, faithfully cheering on her grandchildren and turning her backyard into the competitive setting of many legendary ball games. More than a grandmother, Judy was a safe haven—a constant, loving supporter who helped build the strong bonds her grandchildren continue to cherish.

Judy leaves behind a life rich with meaning, marked by compassion, kindness, and unwavering devotion to those she loved. In remembering her, may we find joy in the everyday moments she held dear: a good book, a summer fair, the loyal companionship of animals, a family trip, and the sound of children laughing under the open sky.

She is survived by her daughters Beth (Duane) Holthaus, Lisa (Edward) Hackman, and Lori (Timothy) Hageman; her 13 grandchildren: Jill (Eric) Timp, Holly (Steven) Fish, Megan (Adam) Martin, Mandi (Aaron) Tieskoetter, Paul Hackman (special friend Jaclyn Ottman), Kristin (Landon) Einck, Jon (Lindsey) Hackman, Courtney (Steven) Huinker, Nolan (Sara) Hageman, Colton (Becca) Hageman, Brooke (Jack) Dressen, Samuel (Kaitlyn) Vagts, and Olivia Vagts; 23 great-grandchildren; her sister, Janice (Jon) Crouch; her brother, Joel (Jeanette) Moschel; and sister-in-law, Twyla Moschel.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 63 years, Bud Vagts; her son, Robert Vagts; and her brother, Jed Moschel.