Judy Ann Harper
March 11, 1946 - January 05, 2025
Obituary
PRAIRIE DU SAC / MUSCODA / RICHLAND CENTER - Judy Harper, age 78, of Prairie du Sac, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 5, 2025, after a courageous battle with ALS. Judy fought ALS on her terms and refused to let it take control of her life, right up to her last days.
Judy was born on March 11, 1946, to Virgil and Hazel (Barrett) Halverson. Judy spent her younger years in Muscoda where she met the love of her life, Robert Harper, and raised their three children in Richland Center. They were married on June 16, 1962, and Judy lived her life as the loving and supportive wife, mother and grandmother to her family.
Judy will be remembered for her love of life, laughter, and her family. She enjoyed hosting family gatherings where she was able to provide delicious meals, demonstrating her cooking and baking skills.
Judy loved traveling, making many road trips with Bob and other family to the Great Lakes, California, the Dakotas, Colorado and Arizona. She was blessed to travel with her children and grandchildren, getting to places such as Norway, Scotland, France, Iceland, Italy and numerous trips to Hawaii.
In addition, she also relished being a kid again by planning grandkid trips to Wisconsin Dells waterparks and taking on any slide her grandchildren dared, which affectionately earned her the nickname “Fun Grandma.”
Judy took great pride in watching her children, grandchildren, and even great-grandchildren in their various sporting and school events, regardless of the weather or distance.
In addition to being a loving wife and mother, Judy found time to work at different places including the Middleton High School cafeteria where she made wonderful friendships and cherished their times together.
In addition to her husband, Bob, Judy is survived by her three children, Cindy (Mike) Smits, Bob (Michelle) Harper and Mike (Kristy) Harper; seven grandchildren, Stephanie (Charlie) Bird, Liz Smits, Meghan Smits, Emily (Ross) Harper, Bryar Harper, Hannah (fiancé, Clayton Rasmussen) Harper and Stella Harper; five great-grandchildren, Riah, Addie, Laken, Murphy and Oakley; and brothers and sisters, Gerald “Toby” Halverson, Sandra (Kelly) Ferguson, Janice (Butch) Keller, Roger Halverson and Vicki Adams. She is further survived by many other relatives and friends. Judy was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Carmen; a granddaughter, Kimberly; and brothers-in-law and sister-in-law.
A memorial service will be held at GUNDERSON WEST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 7435 University Ave., Middleton at 11 a.m. on Saturday, January 18, 2025. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m. on Friday, January 17, 2025, and also from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Saturday. A private burial will take place at Basswood Cemetery at a later date.
Memorials may be made to ALS Association of Wisconsin Chapter, 1919 University Ave. W, Suite 175, St. Paul, MN 55104. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson West
Funeral & Cremation Care
7435 University Ave.
(608) 831-6761