Judy Ann Wanken

The world said goodbye today to a wonderful woman with admirable strength, wisdom and beauty. She left behind a legacy of love that her family will carry on. Judy Ann (Schmitt) Wanken was born on August 20, 1947, to Theodore and Dorothy Schmitt. A native of Memphis, TN, Judy grew up in a loving Catholic family. She was a devoted wife and mother, a talented homemaker, crafter and retail associate. She was married to Jerry Wanken in May, 1970, after Jerry returned from the service and they lived in St. Paul, MN, where Judy worked for Singer Sewing Machine Company as a teacher. Judy was a stay-at-home mom for her two sons and managed matters in support of the family and Jerry’s career as it moved them to North Dakota, Wisconsin and several cities within Minnesota. For 15 years of this time, she was also a hybrid rose tester for Jackson & Perkins in which she was able to use and show her love of roses. Judy enjoyed reading, was an excellent and creative cook and loved traveling with favorite destinations in Jamaica, Bahamas, U.S. Virgin Islands and Southern California and of course, the family cabin in Northern Minnesota. One of her favorite pastimes was spending quality time with her sons and grandsons, as they grew up especially the grandsons swim meets, and all of her many other family members and friends. Those close to her have been inspired by her courage in the face of adversity, endurance in trial, and gratitude in prosperity. She has fostered cherished memories with those dear to her. Judy’s life has contributed energy and consciousness and a spirit of life that is being taken up and used to birth a new future. Judy died on Sunday, March 17, at the Prairie Home Hospice House in Marshall. Judy is survived by her husband, Jerry, sons: Ted and Jay (Carolyn) Wanken, grandsons Eric and Jack, five siblings: Carolyn Wilke of Webster City, IA, Ray (Jimmie) Schmitt of Pickton, TX, Gloria (Marty) Johnson of larion, IA, Steve (Karen) Schmitt of Memphis, TN, Margaret (Tom) Seiser of Springfield, MO, and many nieces, nephews and cousins. She is preceded in death by her parents Theodore and Dorothy Schmitt.