Video Tribute

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Judy M. (Barkau) Nortridge-McLinn, 76, of Freeport, IL passed away Friday, August 15, 2025 at FHN Memorial Hospital.  She was born on September 1, 1948 to John and Esther (Holt) Barkau.  She married Vale Nortridge in 1989. He passed away April 19, 2001.  Judy married Duane McLinn on March 6, 2005.

Judy grew up in Cedarville, IL and graduated from Freeport High School in 1966.  She raised six children and was always on the move driving her kids around in the wood-sided station wagon heading to memorable places including Machesney Park Mall, Skate Station, Great America, and Santa's Village.  There were also special family vacations at Walt Disney World.  She was passionate about providing care and comfort to those without families which prompted her to obtain a position at Oakley Courts Assisted Living in Freeport.  She obtained certifications from Highland Community College and provided help to seniors in their homes.   She blessed others with her generosity and adopted them into her family.

Judy truly enjoyed bargain hunting and finding "treasures" at thrift stores and garage sales, including two cars, a Lexus and a Corvette!  She had an appreciation for fine furniture made of "real" wood.  She loved planning dinner outings with large groups of friends and family.  Judy and Duane found great pleasure in spending time at their trailer in Wisconsin and also enjoyed several trips to Branson, MO and Hawaii.  They were avid supporters of the Eagles Club in Freeport.

Judy is survived by her husband Duane McLinn of Freeport, IL; three sons, Wayne (Carol) Jackowski of German Valley, IL, Jim (Heather) Jackowski of Machesney Park, IL, and Tommy (Danell) Jackowski of St. Charles, IL; two daughters, Beth (Rodney Bennett) Jackowski of Menasha, WI, and Amy (Tim) Spickler of Cedarville, IL; four grandchildren, Jennika (Andy) Dawson, Erik Alber, Asher Jackowski, and Milo Jackowski; and two great-grandchildren, Raelynn Dawson and Rylee Dawson.  Also surviving are stepchildren, Barry (Marie) McLinn, Charlene McLinn, Marlene (Brad) Kleckler, Kirk Nortridge, Kevin (Janice) Nortridge, and Kim (Terry) Stempel; several step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren; two brothers, Wayne (Nell) Barkau and Jim (Barb) Barkau; and family friend and "adopted son", Larry Rhea.

Preceding Judy in death are her parents, husband Vale Nortridge, son John J. Jackowski, son-in-law Kirk Alber; stepchildren, Dana Ewers, Charlotte McLinn, and Christopher McLinn; and brothers, John R. Barkau and Floyd Barkau.

Private family burial will be at Oakland Cemetery and Mausoleum.  A celebration of life will be held at the Eagles Club in Freeport, IL on Saturday, September 20, 2025 from 2:00-5:00 P.M.  A memorial fund has been established in her memory. Condolences may be shared at www.walkermortuary.com