Judy Wacholz, beloved wife, mom, grandma and great-grandma, passed away in grace and peace at age 81 on Sunday, Sept. 1, 2019, surrounded by family.

Judy was in all ways a model woman of her generation — faithful, graceful, hard-working and a builder of love and joy among her family and friends. She loved being a homemaker and a Hallmark store clerk, but valued most her vocation as a mother and grandmother.

She loved cooking, gardening, teaching Sunday school and singing in the church choir and Sweet Adelines. She knew just about every card game and excelled at bridge, cribbage and kings in the corner, which she played with her grandchildren.

Judy was born Nov. 16, 1937, in Albert Lea to Willie and Marie Holm, raised on the family farm between Geneva and Blooming Prairie and attended Blooming Prairie schools.

Judy was married to Richard “Dick” Wacholz on April 5, 1959, and together they lived, worked and raised their family in Mankato; Washington, Iowa; Wilmar; Nappanee, Indiana; Grand Island, Nebraska; Bloomington; Geneva; Madelia; and Stewartville, until his passing April 28, 2004. Judy continued living independently in Stewartville for 13 years. She was active with friends, church and hosting many family gatherings — especially the annual Christmas Cookie Fest with her grandchildren.

Judy is survived by her children Wade (Shawn) Wacholz of Eden Prairie, Joel (Pamela) Wacholz of Mankato, Dean Wacholz of New Ulm and Amme (Jack) Houseman of Marshall; grandchildren Maren (Derrek) Matson, Anna (Craig) Weber, Abigail Wacholz, Jamie (Chris) Kollen, Jessica Wacholz, Eli and Olivia Houseman; great-grandchildren Ainsley Kollen and Britta Matson; siblings Arlene Helleck of Blooming Prairie and Ken (Elsie Mae) Holm of Byron; sisters and brothers-in-law Lolene Mikolajczyk of Tempe, Arizona, Barbara and Richard Stenzel of Wells and Myrna Wacholz-Sens of Rosemount; along with many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents Willie and Marie; husband, Richard; brother, Loren Holm; and brother-in-law, Art Helleck.

Visitation will be from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday at Northview-North Mankato Mortuary, 2060 Commerce Drive in North Mankato.

Memorial worship and celebration of life services will be at 11 a.m. Friday at Community Lutheran Church, 106 Third St. SE in Geneva, with visitation one hour prior at the church. Northview-North Mankato Mortuary is assisting the family with arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the donor’s choice.