Judith Laura Jefferson
Judy was born on October 20, 1940, to Lawrence and Viola (Zills) Wendt, in rural Green Lake County WI. She graduated Oakfield High School as Valedictorian of the Class of 1958 and received her bachelor’s degree from Oshkosh State Teacher’s College in 1964. That fall she accepted a job teaching at Adams Elementary School, a job she would enjoy for nearly 20 years, spending many a late night at the kitchen table grading homework assignments of hundreds of students. She met Dale Jefferson at a dance at the Dellwood Pavilion on New Year’s Eve in 1966 and married him on July 9th. They raised three sons and farmed in the Arkdale area until 1986. Later, Judy taught for two years in Dallas, TX, and 15 more at the Sacaton Elementary School, on the Gila River Indian Reservation in AZ, until her retirement in 2003. Judy’s faith played an important role in her life, and she was a devoted member of Friendship Congregational Bible Church for more than 20 years, and Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Chandler, AZ for 30 more.
After moving south, Judy enjoyed spending her summers in Wisconsin, visiting family, friends and favorite places. Last summer was the first she was unable to spend in Wisconsin, due to COVID restrictions and a worsening of her Parkinson’s Disease.
She was preceded in death by her parents, brother Arden Wendt, brother-in-law Gary Friess, and sister-in-law Jean Wendt.
She is survived by her husband, Dale; sons John (Carol) of Arkdale, Mark (Heather) of Edgerton, and Larry (Kristen) of Colleyville, TX; sisters Janette (Phil) Ruck of Waupun, Beverly Friess of North Fond du Lac, Diane (Steve) Strupp of Oakfield, brother Ken Wendt of Fond du Lac, sister-in-law Joan Wendt of Fond du Lac; two grandchildren, Christopher (Amber) of Adams, and Morgan of Colleyville, TX; great-grandchildren Jacob and Bella, and many nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held at a later date and interment will be at Monroe Cemetery, in Adams County.
Dale, John & Families,
Was sorry to hear of Judy’s passing. She was a fine lady. Her teaching years went back many years here at A-F & other places. She will be missed. RIP Judy. Blessings to her wonderful family.
My deepest sympathy, so sorry for your loss. Thinking of all of you during this sad time!,
Dale and family, you have our deepest sympathy in the loss of Judy!🙏🏻
Dale and family, My condolences for the loss of your Judy. You had a good long life and I know its never long enough but you will be together one day. Savor your memories. Irene
So sorry to hear of Judy’s passing. My deepest sympathy to you all.
Dale and family,
So sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you.
Dale, John, Mark, Larry & families, our condolences to all the Jeffersons in the loss of your loved one. She certainly had several accomplishments in her lifetime and will be remembered by many. Good luck to all of you!
Mark and family,
We are so sorry to learn of your mom’s passing. Mom’s hold such a special place and losing them is extremely difficult. Hugs and prayers of comfort to you.
I’m so sorry for your loss. I spoke with Judy the last time she was up, at the Arkdale church. She was so proud of her boys and grandchildren. You all will be in my prayers.
My deepest Sympathy to you Dale, John, Mark, Larry and families for the loss of your dear wife, mom and grandmother. What a wonderful lady and friend Judy was. I have many great memories of when all of you lived here and then of your summer visits. May the Great Spirit above along with our Heavenly Father comfort and hold all of you ever so close. Hold close your memories. I will keep all of you in my thoughts and prayers. Kay
So sorry for your loss. Keep the great memories close and they will help to comfort you.
We extend our sympathy to Judy’s family at this sad time. She was such a nice lady. You are in our thoughts & prayers.
So sorry to hear of Judy,s passing away. I will miss hear greatly. Dale it was always a pleasure to wait on you at Family Affair Resturant. She is up in heaven shining down on you always. My prayers are with you. God bless you, and your family. Patty Schiefer
Dale & family, I’m so sorry to read of your loss. Judy had a full life but it’s never long enough for those who loved her.
May God bless your memories.
Dale and family there are no words to properly convey how sorry we were to hear of Judy;s passing. I always looked forward to summers and the opportunity to spend time with her. She was an angel on earth. Dale please know you have many friends in Wisconsin who love you and our prayers are with you and the family members. Please know we are here for you.
Jefferson families – I am sorry to hear of Judy’s passing. She was always so kind and smiling. Prayers for you all during this difficult time.
I’m so sorry on your families loss. May God family and friends comfort you during this difficult time