Judy was born April 22, 1942 in Sioux Falls, the daughter of Ralph and Elizabeth (Janisch) Reynolds. She grew up in Sioux Falls and graduated from Washington High School in 1960. Shortly after high school, Judy married Marty Jacobs on December 22, 1960. They had two children, Jay and Kari. From 1962 to 1973, Judy worked for McKennan Hospital and then Sioux Valley Hospital. She worked in the housekeeping department and later in the nursery. Judy married Paul Brandsgaard on February 20, 1982. They enjoyed camping at Lake Herman. Paul passed away in 2010. Judy was a past member at the Cathedral of St. Joseph in Sioux Falls. She loved working on search a word puzzles, going to rummage sales and visiting her great granddaughter.