Judith A. (Judy) De Karske, age 80, of Weasel Dam and Pelican Lake, passed away on Jan. 4, 2022, finishing Act II of her "Book of Judy." She is now in her final Act, in paradise with her Lord and Savior, and Mitch whom she has missed for so long.

ACT I – Just Judy

Judith Ann Kloth was born May 15, 1941, in Pickett, Wisconsin, the middle child of Harry and Viola (Wisnefske) Kloth. Judy spent her childhood growing up in Richfield and like many rural families, church, music, sports and 4-H animals and projects were a huge part of her life. In 1945 her life became even more busy when new owners purchased the apple orchard next to their home. These owner had a particular little boy just about her age named Allen. Judy and Allen immediately became best friends and from the first time they met they knew good things were going to happen. On Aug. 27, 1961, to her mother's dismay, Judy and Allen eloped to Yankton, South Dakota, and were married. They spent their early-married life in the Menomonee Falls/Richfield area where Judy had several interesting jobs including being a switchboard operator and a driver's ed instructor. This is where their children Craig, Camila and Matthew were born.  While Judy and Mitch (as he was now known) were very involved in community events, including the Menomonee Falls Diamond Jubilee, there was just something missing. Neither one of them cared for the big city and Mitch wanted to own a tavern. In 1972 they moved north and bought the University of Weasel Dam Tap. After settling into the area they had their last child Nicole. Judy was a great barkeeper. She would set out a food spread to feed an army for just about every occasion including deer season, horseshoes, pool league, softball and snowmobile season. Judy would always have the bar decorated in her own plain and simple way, but simple was amazing and you were always greeted by either her German Shepherd, Charli, or one of the Tom Turkeys roosting on the fence. If you went home with an empty stomach or empty shoes, it was your own fault. Judy was a founding member of the 4 Dams Snowmobile Club, organized many "Freeze Your Nuts" runs with Mitch at the helm and, as sweet as she was, could be a little feisty at times also, and to her last dying day would tell you that she started the first Poker Run in the area. (Not you Bubba!) Judy was also active in local fast-pitch, slow-pitch and horseshoe leagues. Due to Mitch's health, they closed the bar in 1983. It seemed like a short time to own a bar, but some of the best memories of their and others' lives were had during that period as "good times at the Tap" are still brought up in conversations by many today. This area was fitting for them and a place they were proud to call home. They were a great team and simply put, went together like peanut butter and jelly. Wherever Judy was, Mitch wasn't far behind or vice-versa. Even when Mitch was on the road driving truck they still knew what was going on with everything and where one left off the other picked up. Besides manning Weasel Dam Tap, Judy kept busy with many other activities and jobs in her life. She loved animals and it was hard to have a favorite as she loved them all but one was her big black mustang Tyler. Her and Mitch enjoyed raising their small herd of beef and also raised a handful of Ginseng gardens. Judy was active with the kids in 4-H, was President of the PTA, and sang in the Choir and was a Sunday School teacher at her church. She was Secretary at the Red Owl in Tigerton, was a dispatcher for a few trucking companies, worked at Marion Plywood first in the plant, then as the Personnel Director before finally taking a job with the Green Bay Post Office where she retired. This gave her more time to spend with her grandchildren, which she loved to do. She had this little book in her purse that said SOGWPIP (Silly Old Gramma With Pictures In Purse) and she wasn't afraid to brag about them often. But her best job of all was Mom. With Mitch's health continuing to decline they decided to follow another dream of having a log cabin. In 2003, together with their kids they built a full log cabin on Eagle Lake. This would be their retirement home. It was calm, quiet and the sounds and sights of loons on the lake, black bear right outside the window and winter snowstorms filled them with contentment.

Act II – Granny Pants Unfiltered

After many years of ailing health Mitch passed away on Feb. 19, 2009.  Judy missed Mitch dearly but realized that after caring for him and always putting others first she needed to take some time for herself and live, and did she ever.  Judy made herself a bucket list and crossed several things off just in that first summer.  At 68 years old she first, became a heavy machine operator needing to figure out how to drive all of Mitch's equipment and toys because someone had to continue doing his work.  Then she became a logger and bought herself a chainsaw and safety boots and was cutting down and hauling trees to maintain the roads in her neighborhood.  She was having the time of her life but had a few more things to accomplish on the list.  She ended up being wanted by the local authorities for apparently taking some logs that weren't hers for the taking but couldn't be found because she went AWOL attempting what, by fate, would be the last thing on her list, ice skating.  On Nov. 16, 2009, she bought herself some brand new skates, went to the local rink, made three laps around and was doing great but then fell, hit the back of her head, fractured her skull and suffered a traumatic brain injury. For many, the Judy we all knew, died that day.  But miraculously, God brought her back to us, a half a bubble off, but he brought her back.  The new Judy was a hoot and quite the character.  Mitch was always the comedian, but since he's gone, someone had to step up and take his place.  She had a new personality, demeanor and outlook on life.  The calm and considerate Judy was now replaced with sassiness, a foul mouth at times, telling it like it was and sometimes just being a bull-head.  The sweet old Judy was still in there though and did manage to come out from time to time.  To her family, friends and acquaintances, she wanted all of you to know that even though she wasn't able to get out and visit with you, she cared about you and didn't forget about you as you came up in topics of conversation often as she reminisced about the past.  A brain injury and dementia are debilitating, but she learned to adjust and make the best of it even cracking jokes about herself.  She definitely provided us with entertainment for the last 12 years, which made time go by so fast. Her grandchildren also included her in their entertainment as well posting some of her silliness to Snapchat or making videos together with her and their friends.

Judy is survived by her faithful dog Lucy who always protected her and was by her side, on her lap, behind her as back rest or under her covers; her children Craig (Sandra) De Karske, Camila (Jim) Pietsch, Matthew (Lisa) De Karske, and Nicole (Daniel) Shumaker; her grandchildren Samantha, Cody, Tyler, Brittany (Andy), Michelle, Abbey, Sara, Kelsi, Gage, Brian (Savanah) and Taylor; her great-grandchildren Sawyer, Dawsun, and Lillian.  She is further survived by sisters Jane Litzau and Mary (Joel) Strayer; brother Jim (Muriel) Kloth; brother-in-law K Lorenzen; former son-in-law Mike Spolar and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband Mitch, sister Carolyn Lorenzen; brother-in law Jim Litzau; sister-in-law Judelle Kloth; brothers and sisters-in-laws Lee De Karske, Clifford and Caroline De Karske, Dee (Donald) Hafemann; nephew Joel Hafemann; parents Harry and Vi Kloth and in-laws Elmer and Norma De Karske.

Act III – Eternal Life
The Best is Yet to Come!

A Celebration of Judy's Life will fittingly be held on her birthday, May 15, 2022.  Per Judy's wishes a service of songs and celebration (with desserts of course) will begin at 12:30 p.m. at Peace Lutheran Church in Tilleda with the Rev. Lois Graper officiating.  Socializing begins at 11:30 a.m.  Following the service, the celebration will continue to the Seneca Community Hall for a meal and gathering of good times.