Judith “Judy” Ann Schmidt

Judith Ann Schmidt of New Berlin, Wis. passed to eternal life on November 1, 2024, after an arduous battle against the debilitating effects of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. She was 84 years old.

Judy was born on May 24, 1940 in Evanston, Ill. to Vance and Elaine Morrow. She graduated from Palatine High School and went on to attend the University of Iowa where she would acquire the secretarial skills that would eventually sustain her over the course of a long and successful career as a professional administrative assistant. Judy built a reputation for dependability and meticulous attention to detail, evident in every element of her work product. It paved her path to the C-suite where she quietly and humbly supported the executive leaders of organizations like Pure Oil, Arthur Andersen, Deloitte & Touche and even the principal of the local middle school. In retirement, she was invited to provide transcription and editing services for a white paper authored by a highly regarded friend and retired leader in the accounting industry, perhaps her proudest professional accomplishment.

She was a long-standing member of Elmbrook Church in Brookfield, Wis. where she was an active member in her neighborhood Bible studies and a faithful supporter of their Missions. She was also an active member of the Evangelical Free Church of Green Valley, Ariz. where she had been escaping Wisconsin winters since her retirement in 2008.

In her leisure time, Judy found her greatest joy in the company of family and friends, often flying or even driving hundreds of miles to visit. Her friendships spanned decades, the roots of which could often be traced back to her school years. Lunches, local adventures, shopping excursions, ball games, church concerts and matinee movies were among her favorite pastimes during her retirement years. And she almost never missed an opportunity to take a friend to an appointment; distance was never a consideration.

A truly fanatical fan of Wisconsin sports including her Green Bay Packers, Milwaukee Brewers and Wisconsin Badgers, she knew the players’ names, their positions and often their most notable philanthropic projects in the local community. She even celebrated her retirement at Miller Park in the company of her entire family, a memory she always cherished. But make no mistake, above all else, it was her grandkids who brought her the greatest joy in life. Oh, how she loved her grandkids!

Judy is survived by her kids Eric (Sheri) Schmidt of Lake Odessa, Mich; Julie (Steve) Burns of Midlothian, Tex; grandchildren Emily Burns, Jonathan (Kendall) Burns, Madeline Burns, Austin and Carli Schmidt; great-grandchildren Lennon and Shiloh Burns. She was preceded in death by her parents.

On behalf of Judy’s family, we’d like to express our deep appreciation to the staff at Congregational Home and the caregivers at Amedisys Hospice for their kindness and care of our Mom during the most difficult period of her life. You were truly a blessing to her and to us. May God bless you all.

And to her next-door neighbor and good friend Tom who made a priority of caring for her property, thank you from the bottom of our grateful hearts. For most of 30 years, you were a stalwart caretaker.

Services will be held November 15, 2024 at Krause Funeral Home, 12401 West National Avenue, New Berlin, Wisconsin. Visitation 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM. Memorial Service 4:00 PM with Dinner Reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial gift to the ALS Association.