Judith A. Skotarzak Obituary
Of Mukwonago, breathed her last on August 8, 2024 at the age of 87, going home to her Lord, and to reunite with her dear departed parents and brother John. Judy was born on March 28, 1937 in Wisconsin Rapids, WI., daughter of the late Bryan and Rose (nee Obetka) Nelson. Her early years split between the family home and a cabin in the country in City Point.
Judy made her way to Minneapolis for a spell before she followed a friend to Milwaukee and Marquette University, after which she met the love of her life at a finger-painting party. She and David Skotarzak were married on October 20, 1962 and were together through sickness and health until death did them part just short of 62 years later.
In the 60's they bought their first house in Wauwatosa, and rented a summer cottage on Cedar Lake to try out lake life. Finding it to their liking, they secured an old fixer upper on Lake Beulah and moved there in 1972 – foreshadowing her 2nd career, Judy sold the house in Wauwatosa while Dave was away on a business trip. There on Millsite Road they remained together for 50 years, as the fates blessed them with four children, nine grandchildren and countless lifelong neighbors and friends.
Small of stature, Judy had a big heart and an outsized presence. She loved to give of her time and talent and treasure, volunteering and making donations around the community. Living and raising her family lakeside, she contributed countless hours over the decades as a lunch lady and myriad other roles around the Lake Beulah Yacht Club, St. Peter's parish, and others. Many were the beneficiaries of her gifts, as she tried always to leave things better than she found them. After raising her kids she embarked on a new career as a real estate agent, and it brought her and her clients great joy to make new connections to Lake Beulah and the LBYC.
Grandchildren came, and brought endless joy and smiles and laughs. Erika, Caroline, Emily, Nathan, Sydney, Abby, Josh, Fred and Julian all came to grow larger than Judy; and as she physically looked up to them, it was clear nobody loved them all more than she did. Equally split between Wisconsin and Colorado, the grands enjoyed endless adventures at Gramma's house and beyond. Judy is further survived by her four children Dave Jr., Joe (Melanie), Jennifer (Mike) Dim and Liz (Jim) Jaramillo, as well as many nieces and nephews, along with countless friends.
The family would like to thank all the friends who contributed so richly to Judy's life and legacy. Also a special grateful note to the loving staffs at Castle Birch Rock and Legacy Hospice, who provided so much comfort in the final stretch.
There will be a casual gathering to celebrate Judy's life, with snacks and music, at Schmidt & Bartelt Funeral home, 930 Main Street in Mukwonago – gathering from 1-4p on Friday August 23, with a short prayer service to wrap up at 4pm.
Visitation Friday, August 23, 2024 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM Schmidt & Bartelt Funeral & Cremation Service Mukwonago, 930 Main Street Mukwonago, WI 53149 Phone: (262) 363-7126.
Prayer Service Friday, August 23, 2024 4:00 PM Schmidt & Bartelt Funeral & Cremation Service Mukwonago 930 Main Street.
