Judith “Judy” Nickel

Judith “Judy” Nickel, aged 71, peacefully passed away on October 8, 2026. Judy was a Wife, Mother, Daughter, Sister, Grandmother, and Friend. Her kind and loving spirit will be deeply missed.

Born August 13, 1955, in Bismarck, North Dakota, Judy was the daughter of Edward and Catherine (Moran) Shimeta, and youngest sister to Lynn Stewart and Kathleen Shimeta. Her family moved frequently throughout her childhood, but Otter Tail Lake in Minnesota was the one place she always considered home. Some of her fondest memories were spending summers at the lake, waterskiing, swimming, and enjoying time with family. She later passed this love on to her own children, making annual summer trips to Otter Tail Lake a cherished family tradition.

Judy attended the University of Minnesota, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Home Economics. After college, she began working at JCPenney and eventually moved to Appleton, WI to pursue a role as Merchandise Manager. While living in the Fox Valley area, Judy met her husband, Bill, at Mable Murphy’s in Oshkosh. They were married on April 24, 1982 and had two children, Erik and Elise.

After having children, Judy pursed a career in teaching. She worked as a part-time instructor at Waukesha County Technical College (WCTC), a role she continued until 2018. As a lifelong learner, she enrolled in a calculus course at the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee in her 50s, where she proudly earned an “A.”

Judy was her children’s biggest supporter. She was present for every milestone, event, important moment.  She often volunteered her time for her kid’s schools and sports teams, serving as “copy room mom,” co-chair of Cleveland Heights Elementary Carnival fundraiser, Softball Team Manager, and Softball Tournament Director. She spent countless hours driving her children and their teammates to practices, games, and other activities. As her children grew older, Judy continued her involvement in education, working as a substitute teacher in the New Berlin Public Schools.

Judy was a breast cancer survivor at the age of 41, demonstrating strength and perseverance through her treatment and recovery. Each year, she participated in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, joining others in raising money and supporting breast cancer awareness and research.

In retirement, Judy put her Home Economics degree to use 40 years later, and reupholstered furniture and created drapes for her home. She enjoyed researching family genealogy and carefully organized family photo albums, preserving memories and family history for her children.  Additionally, Judy and Bill enjoyed spending time together, attending local concerts, Brookfield Central sporting events, gardening, walking, and making plans for future adventures. They particularly enjoyed attending Love Monkeys concerts, becoming some of the band’s newest groupies.

Judy was preceded in death by her husband, William “Bill” Nickel; her parents, Ed and Catherine (Moran) Shimeta; and her brother-in-law, John Stewart. She is survived by her son Erik (Kelly) Nickel; daughter Elise (Luke) Menges; grandson Benjamin William Menges; sisters Lynn Stewart and Kathleen (Dan Holland) Shimeta; and niece Michelle Hathaway.

Mom, we will forever be grateful for the love, care, and support you provided throughout our lives. Thank you for always putting family first, creating wonderful memories, and teaching us the importance of caring for others. We love you and find comfort knowing you and Dad are together again. We will bring you home to Otter Tail Lake, where a part of you always has and always will remain. May you rest in eternal peace.

In celebration of Judy’s life, a Memorial Service will be held at 12:00 PM Sunday, November 1, 2026 at Krause Funeral Home, 21600 West Capitol Drive, Brookfield, Wisconsin, with visitation starting at 10:00 AM.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Judy’s memory to Cure Alzheimer’s Fund (curealz.org), supporting research toward finding a cure for Alzheimer’s disease.