Judy Kirn set the standard for keeping house.
Where others would reach for a mop, she took to her hands and knees to scrub the tile floor.
A dishwasher was an unnecessary appliance. Better to promptly hand wash dishes after breakfast, lunch and dinner.
An old Dodge sedan had fewer spots than the day it was driven off the dealer’s lot. The only additions: towels to protect floor mats from dirty shoes, and a single tissue box carefully placed between the back seats.
These habits, like everything else about Judy, were rooted not in self-concern, but in devotion to the family she loved. Did you want something to eat or drink? Did you need something – as small as a handkerchief – washed but also steam-ironed?
Judith (Judy) Kirn, of Perryville, Missouri, peacefully passed away at home surrounded by her loving family on July 14, 2026, age 86.
Born Feb. 4, 1940, to Charles and Alma (Bueckman) Maes, Judy was raised in Chester, Illinois, but attended St. Vincent High School where she met Harry, her husband of 66 years. They were married July 2, 1960, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Chester, Illinois.
After graduating from Southern Illinois University Carbondale with an associate’s degree, Judy taught in a one-room school in Menfro, Missouri.
The majority of her working career was at St. Mary’s of the Barrens, a seminary in Perryville where she served as librarian for 20 years. After the seminary closed, Judy continued to serve on the campus, another 20 years, as housekeeper at Apostle of Charity Residence, a Vincentian community for retired priests.
Judy was deeply religious and a longtime member at St. Vincent de Paul Parish.
She enjoyed walks at St. Mary’s historic grounds, baking desserts, gardening, reading, completing puzzles and routinely besting family members, including her three grandchildren, at card and board games.
Though hesitant to fly, Judy never let that stand between her and time with her family, traveling with them across the U.S., including to Arizona, Colorado, Montana, Florida and Chicago, where she watched her beloved St. Louis Cardinals defeat the Cubs.
Survivors include her husband, Harold “Harry” Kirn; her children, Stephen Kirn, James Kirn, Michelle Kirn, Charles Kirn and Melissa (Tyson) Krauss; and grandchildren, Jacob Kirn, Adeline Krauss and William Krauss, all of St. Louis. She was preceded in death by her parents.
Visitation at Ford and Young Funeral Home, 110 S. West St. in Perryville, on Friday July 24, 2026 from 4 to 7 p.m. and on Saturday July 25, 2026 from 8 to 9:30 a.m. Rosary will be prayed at 8:30 a.m. Funeral Mass for Judy will be at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, 1000 Rosati Court, on Saturday July 25, 2026 at 10 a.m., Rev. Tony Dosen C.M. officiating. Burial will be at Mount Hope Catholic Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be given to St. Mary’s of the Barrens.
Online condolences may be made at www.fordandyoungfuneralhome.com.
Ford & Young Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.