Judith Ann Watzke

OREGON-Judith A. "Judy" Watzke, age 75, of Oregon, passed away peacefully at home, on Thursday, July 28, 2016.  She was born on Oct. 24, 1940, in Portage, the daughter of Warren and Laverne (Lindsay) York.  Judy graduated from Portage High School and received a business degree from Madison Business College.  She was united in marriage to Donald Watzke on Aug. 29, 1959, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Portage. Judy's greatest joy was the time she spent with her family, especially her grandchildren. She also enjoyed playing the organ and piano for church choirs, music students, weddings, funerals, and the annual family Christmas dinner. Judy was employed as a secretary at Prairie View Elementary until her retirement in 1995. She had a passion for helping every child she met.  Judy was a member of the Fraternal Order of the Turtles. Judy is survived by her husband, Donald of 57 years; children, Maggie (Bob) Hofmeister, Don Watzke Jr., Mike (Jacki) Watzke, and Susan Watzke; eight grandchildren, Matthew and John Hofmeister, Blake, Alex, and Taylor Watzke, Lindsay (Goran) Laskovic, and Rico and Raeishean Lester; two great-grandchildren, Isaiah Lester and Luka Laskovic; brother-in-law, Josef Maurer; sister-in-law, Jane (Dennis) Ebert; and other relatives and many friends.  She was preceded in death by her parents; grandson, Robert Hofmeister; sister, Susan Maurer; and step-mother, Jane Amend.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at HOLY MOTHER OF CONSOLATION CHURCH, 651 N. Main St., Oregon, at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 4, 2016.  Burial will be at St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery, Oregon. Visitation will be held at the church from 9 a.m. until the time of the Mass on Thursday. In lieu of flowers memorials may be gifted in Judy's name to Agrace HospiceCare.  The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the staff at Agrace HospiceCare, Dr. Kostelyna and her caregivers, Sharon Holpin and Sharee Koker for their compassionate care.  Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com