Judy V. Winkel

Judith V. “Judy” Winkel, 85, of Madison passed away on Thursday, November 23rd at UW Hospital.  Judy was born in Green Bay, WI on August 17, 1938, the daughter of Clifford Gale and Verda Gale (Zuehlke).

Judy graduated from Green Bay West High School and later UW Madison, where she met her future husband, Phil.  They were married on June 17, 1961 and had 62 years as lovers and best friends.  Judy was a Physical Therapist, working at hospitals in Madison and Green Bay before moving to Long Beach, CA with Phil for 2 years.  After a 10 year break to raise her young children, she began working for the Madison Metropolitan School District, providing physical therapy to students with special needs.  She retired in 1996 after 23 years, having worked in nearly every school in the district.

Judy was an active member of many organizations:  Attic Angels, PEO Chapter H, Alpha Delta Kappa and the Madison Civics Club.  At her church, Orchard Ridge United Church of Christ, she volunteered in many ways – as chair of various boards, as one of the founding members of the bell choir and as a knitter of many prayer shawls.

Together Judy and Phil enjoyed travel to Mexico, the British Isles, Caribbean cruises, Germany, the Galapagos Islands, all around the United States and, most recently, Italy and Iceland.  But her favorite place was their seasonal cottage near Eagle River, WI.  She spent many summer and fall days with dear friends playing cards, watching the wildlife and spending time with family.  Her grandchildren were her pride and joy.  They baked cookies, did crafts, visited places all around Madison, picked strawberries and made jam.  She always enjoyed attending their sporting, musical and school events.

Judy is survived by her husband Phil, her children Paul, Jim (Becky), and Sandy (Dave Nicholson) her four grandchildren, Mary Claire and Abby Nicholson, Caleb and Melizha Winkel, and many beloved nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents and siblings, Calvin, Stuart and Beth.

The funeral service will be at Orchard Ridge United Church of Christ, 1501 Gilbert Road, Madison, WI 53711 on Saturday, December 16th at 11:00 am.  Visitation will precede the service beginning at 9:30.  A light meal will be served after the service.  Weather permitting, Judy’s ashes will be buried in the church Garth after the service.  

Flowers or donations to Orchard Ridge United Church of Christ are welcome.