Judith Eleanor Simmonds

Judith ‘Judy’ Eleanor Simmonds (Wehner) was born May 7th, 1933 in Kenosha, WI to Frank and Beatrice Wehner (Kort). She lives on in the hearts of her husband Raymond Simmonds, her sister Marguerite (Maggie) Billen, her children Laura Simmonds-Lowry (Geoffrey) and David Simmonds, her grandchildren Kellan Lowry, Brianna Mursett-Simmonds and Austin Mursett-Simmonds (Kelsy), her great-grandchildren Aurora, Hawk and soon to be born Harper, in-laws Bob and Ruth Simmonds, nephews Dan and Bill Billen, extended family Gil, Terra and Riley Searles and many other cherished family members and friends.

Born in Kenosha, WI, Judy’s family moved to a farm in Bristol, WI when she was 13. She was active in 4H winning many 1st and 2nd place ribbons in sewing. Judy and Raymond met in the high school band at 15 and were engaged at 17. They married three years later and would have celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary June 27th of this year. Judy graduated college at Rural Normal School in Union Grove, with further education at Whitewater University. Judy was a teacher in Kenosha County. Upon Ray’s return from the service, they moved to Milwaukee where she worked until the birth of her children Laura and David. She was an active mother including being a Girl Scout leader, seamstress, activity coordinator and serving as “Simmonds Taxi Service” to all her children’s and their friends many events (camps, practices, parades, competitions, concerts, church activities and more). She also worked as a clerk at Drew’s, and in the offices of Sears, Custom Trim and Action Communicators in Milwaukee.

In 1986 Ray and Judy moved to Minocqua and opened Time and Treasures. They both worked the store, Ray learned clock repair and Judy did all the book-keeping. They later continued their roles in Ray’s Clock Service.

Judy was always involved with whatever church she was a member. Her mother played the organ for many decades at the First United Methodist Church in Kenosha so she had a good start. She was an active member in the church and choir at both Calvary Methodist and First United Methodist Church in West Allis. Upon moving to Minocqua in Ray and Judy became active members of Faith Evangelical Free Church.

Judy was also a 50+ year member of P.E.O. a women’s Philanthropic Educational Organization.

Judy will be remembered for her dedication and support to church, family and friends; her wit and humor; her creativeness with sewing, photography, scrap-booking and in the kitchen; her hard work at home and for others;being a voracious reader; and her love of God, family, friends, people, sports, animals and nature.

Memorial Gathering on Saturday, July 13th from 2:00 to 3:00 PM at Nimsgern Funeral Home Chapel with Memorial Service at 3:00 PM