Vaughn Patrick Judge, 18, of Lone Tree Iowa, passed away on Tuesday September 29, 2026 at the University of Iowa Hospital, Iowa City, Iowa. Per his wishes, he was a total organ donor. His final act of kindness will positively impact so many families. A gathering of family and friends will take place from 10:00 to 11:30 am on Friday, October 9, 2026 at Prince of Peace Parish. A Mass will be celebrated at 11:30 am with a luncheon to follow. The Pape Funeral Home is assisting the family
Vaughn was born April 26, 2008, in Iowa City, Iowa, the son of Tanya and Bradley Judge. He graduated from Lone Tree High School Class of 2026. Vaughn enjoyed playing E-Sports, Drama Club, D&D, skateboarding, writing, playing and listening to music. He had a curiosity for learning new things, a deep compassion for others and passionate social and political views that involved making the world a better place. He was a loyal friend, and not afraid to stand up for what he believed in.
Vaughn valued time spent with family. Yearly adventures to Colorado, kayaking, hiking and fishing in the mountains. Trips to Arkansas with Grandma and Grandpa Juist and the Isenhour’s swimming and boating, Werling family campout, pool parties at Grandma Vicki’s, yearly trips to the Iowa State Fair with Grandma and Grandpa “Ditti” and many family holiday traditions and games nights. He often reminisced about his many adventures with Grandma Juist and Grandpa Joe, with whom he shared such a special bond.
Vaughn was a truly passionate man with an independent and adventurous soul, whose life has left a lasting impact on everyone who knew him. His spirit was reflected in how he saw the problems in the world and worked to make it a better place, as well as in his warm smile and infectious laugh. He will be remembered for his individuality, his passion, and the spirit he brought to everything he did. His memory will live on in the people who loved him and the lasting mark he left on the lives around him. His generosity will leave a legacy that should inspire everyone.
Survivors include his parents Tanya and Bradley Judge of Lone Tree, Iowa. Grandparents Rodney and Ann Venditti from Wheatland, Iowa. Vicki Judge of DeWitt, Iowa, Joseph Judge (deceased), Ronald Juist of Clinton, Iowa and Nancy Juist (deceased). Aunts and Uncles; Sara and Mike Nefzger of Stout Iowa, Brian and Rochelle Judge of Grand Mound Iowa, Nicole Judge and Clay Bedell of Fort Collins Co. Ryan and Jody Venditti of Lowden Iowa, Sean and Shaunelle Juist of Gilbert, AZ, Dawn Juist and Josh Foster of Clinton. Cousins Harley Venditti, Raymond and Grace Venditti, Allison Henning, Kelvin Lange, Joe and Ashley Henning, Chris and Elizabeth Henning, Hadleigh and Kade Nefzger and Maci Judge, Jonathan Juist, Reagan Juist, Carlie Mierley, Jordan Mierley, and Blake Foster, and many Great Uncles and Great Aunts along with Second Cousins.
Vaughn was a blessing. He may have left this life too soon, but he could never leave the hearts that knew him. Though we can no longer see him, we will continue to look for him—in the memories we share, the laughter he left behind, and all the little places where his presence can still be felt. He will always be loved, he will always be missed, and he will always be remembered.