"I was so sorry to hear of the passing of Judy. She was good to me. Her father was the Pastor at my church in Chippewa when I was a small child. He even baptized my father! Judy and I talked of both of us Chippewa girls ending up in Antigo. ? She would fill in for our organist at St. Matthews in Deerbrook on occasion. At one church meeting a few years ago, concern was expressed that all of our organists were ready to retire and we would never be able to find a replacement!? So, I robustly said, ?I can learn!? I played flute and could read music and played piano as a child. I could do this! Well, very generously and thoughtfully, Judy offered to begin teaching me. We met upstairs at the organ one Sunday where she explained a few things and handed me some sheets of music she had prepared for me and a list of my first hymns to attempt. I never forgot her kindness and patience and confidence and trust. She made me want to learn. She made me feel like I could do it. Thank you, Judy. A life, well lived. She will be missed. ??"
In loving memory of
Judith Ann Grimm
March 28, 1936 - January 10, 2022
Judith Ann Grimm, of Summit Lake, died Monday, January 10, 2022, at Aspirus Langlade Hospital. She was 85 years old. She was born on March 28, 1936, in Burke, South Dakota, the daughter of Rev. A. Ira and Elsie (Priem) Grimm.
She graduated from Chippewa Falls High School in 1954. As someone stimulated by academics, she attended several colleges, universities, workshops, and seminars during her working years. Professionally she was devoted to the deaf and hard-of-hearing children, adults, and their families. She taught at every level from preschool through adult education in New York, California, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. Additionally, she worked with learning disabled and autistic students, and as a school psychologist.
Personally, she was devoted to her Lord, her family, and her friends. Judy was baptized on April 12, 1936, in Jameson, Nebraska, and was confirmed in her faith on April 2, 1950, in Bancroft, Wisconsin. As a teenager she began teaching Sunday School and Vacation Bible School, singing in the choir, and playing organ and piano for services. In subsequent years, she also served as choir director, youth counselor, and sometimes an assistant to her father. She went on four mission trips for the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod. Judy played the organ at Delavan School for the Deaf, St. Luke Lutheran Church in Elcho, and St. John Lutheran Church, Pickerel. She loved to pick music that fit the theme of that day's worship.
She enjoyed playing the piano, sewing, embroidering, and reading. She even enjoyed mowing the lawn and shoveling snow. She was a sportswoman, both as a participant and a spectator, and thought the Green Bay Packers were special. She was grateful to be able to live on the same lake as her ancestors. She traveled to Germany several times to research her family roots and attempt to find distant relatives.
During her career, she was active in several educational organizations at the local, state, and national levels. She was often ready to give a helping hand to individuals and organizations. Judy volunteered for the Antigo Music Association, Langlade County Historical Society, Elcho Food Pantry, Orphan Grain Train, and enjoyed being a member of Pommerscher Verein Central Wisconsin.
Survivors include her sister-in-law, Ruth Grimm of Summit Lake, cousins, second cousins, other relatives, and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, William Grimm.
The funeral service will be held on Saturday, January 22, 2022, at 2 p.m. at St. Luke Lutheran Church in Elcho. Visitation will be Saturday at the church from 1 to 2 p.m, there is an elevator available for those who need it.
The family requests those who are attending the visitation and service wear a mask.
Burial at Lakeside Cemetery in Summit Lake and celebration of life will take place in spring.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to St. Luke Lutheran Church, PO Box 25, Elcho, WI, 54428, Elcho Food Pantry, 11224 Antigo Street, P.O. Box 404, Elcho, WI 54428, and Lutheran Hour Ministries, 660 Mason Ridge Center Drive, St. Louis, MO, 63141-8557.
Tributes
"Judy was an active member of the Langlade County Historical Society. She always helped with our summer picnics, Music in the Park and our annual rummage sales. She was also helpful at our Langlade County Retired Educators meetings and activities. She gently touched so many young lives at the Antigo schools. She had crochet/knit a darling pink baby sweater and matching booties for our daughter when she was born. We will all miss her!"
"So very sad to learn of Judy's passing. I loved her summer classes at St. Cloud State for two years in a row in the early 70's. She was lovely and helpful as a regional supervisor when I worked with hearing impaired children in Parkers Prairie, MN. She was not only a great teacher and supervisor, she was a great friend. I am grateful we maintained contact all these years and I had the pleasure of visiting her twice in Summit Lake...all the way from Australia. Such a special lady! Kathy (Sebastian) McCaskill"
"May God grant peace to those who grieve Judy. I worked with her many years ago in Antigo. She taught me a lot and was so wonderful with the students. Susan (gress) Larson"
"So sorry for your loss. Judy was a great lady. Our prayers to the family."
"Judy was such a great person, teacher and friend. My daughter and I have so many fond memories of her teachings, her sense of humor, kindness, compassion, advocacy, and often recall something Judy said or did. We carry on some of the traits she shared and will always have a special place in our hearts for Judy. She made a difference in the lives of others and will be missed. God bless you, Judy."
"Sad to read of Judy's passing. My husband and I were both co-workers of Judy in Antigo. I was fortunate to call her a friend and had the pleasure of pontoon rides and visits to her house. She was a special lady. Prayers!! Jeanne and Jim Peters"
"Jerry Igl, worked with Judy in the Antigo School District, as a janitor. She was VERY pleasant to work with. Hugs..."