(262) 653-0667
3016 75th Street, Kenosha, WI 53142
Judith Ann “Judy” Hansche joined her beloved husband for their eternal life with our Lord on Thursday, August 17, 2023, at St. Catherine’s Hospital with her daughter, Diana and niece, Linda at her side.
Judy was born in Kenosha to Fredrick and Helga (Hansen) Riese on June 26, 1938. She was baptized and confirmed at St. Mary’s Lutheran Church, and on Valentine’s Day, February 14, 1958, she was united in marriage to her childhood sweetheart, Don Hansche. Living just five houses apart, they shared friendships and memories of growing up together. Judy and Don left the old neighborhood to build their family and soon two became five as they were blessed with three children, Diana (Gary) Christofferson, Ron, and Randy (Sandy) who have a lifetime of memories with Mom to cherish.
In April of 1965 Judy and Don moved their young family to Bristol Township where she dedicated many years as a servant to her community. She was president of the Bristol Grade School PTA, at which time education began with first grade. While she advocated for kindergarten classes, she decided to fill the gap and chartered her own 5-year-old school at Wesley Chapel Methodist Church in South Bristol until kindergarten was incorporated into the school district. She further supported her children as a Cub Scout Den Mother and 4-H leader. She and Don hosted float building at their home, and she taught many young girls to knit and crochet as a 4-H project leader. She also volunteered for years at the Kenosha County Fair as a 4-H building superintendent, and was an exhibitor herself, winning numerous blue ribbons for her crafts and baking. Her spirit will be forever embedded in the halls of the Bristol Fire Department where she volunteered countless hours as a firehouse dispatcher prior to consolidated County dispatch services. When the firemen returned, she provided them with food and refreshments as a member of the Bristol Fireman’s Auxiliary. As president of the auxiliary she worked tirelessly with numerous fundraising projects to purchase new equipment. Judy was formally recognized for all her service to the township when she was named Bristol’s Outstanding Woman.
Judy was also a servant to her worship community where she volunteered as a “church basement lady.” She and Don were also beloved volunteers for the St. Mary’s Lutheran Church Friendly Center for more than twenty years where they assisted with lunch and fellowship.
Judy was the happiest when she was surrounded by family, especially her grandchildren, Ryan (Ann) Andrekus, Alyssa (Dave) Krupp, Ronnie Hansche, Nicole Hansche and Joshua (Diandra Rodriguez) Christofferson; her great-grandchildren, Alex, Phoebe, Ellie, Roslind, Maverick, Haley, Tyler and Jena; and, her great-great granddaughter, Braylynn. She was so excited to hear another great-grandchild will be joining the family soon – when God closes a door, He opens a window. Judy will be deeply missed by her beloved brother and sister-in-law, Jim and Sandy Riese; sister-in-law, Margo Klobuchar (a sister of her heart); sister-in-law, Phyllis Hansche; and, many nieces and nephews who adored their Aunt Judy. The lunch and dinner tables will never be the same at Willowbrook where she was lovingly referred to as the social butterfly, and the staff at St. Catherine’s Dialysis Center will miss her smile and warm heart.
Judy will be welcomed into heaven by her loving husband, Don, along with her parents and brother Lawrence “Bud” Nelson.
Judy was a good servant to our Lord, her family, friends and community and she will be fondly remembered for her warm heart and immeasurable kindness. In her memory, please extend that kindness by sharing a smile, kind words or a listening ear just as she would – she truly made a difference in her time on earth.
Judy’s family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Joe (Garretto) for treating Judy like family through the years, and to Dr. Leena Joshi and the staff at the St. Catherine’s Kidney Center for the kindness, compassion and love they gave her throughout her journey. The family is indebted to the amazing staff at Willowbrook who injected new life into a tired soul and loved her like a grandma. Special gratitude is extended to the wonderful staff at St. Catherine’s Hospital who cared for their precious mother during her final days, especially the ED team, respiratory care team, the 3rd Floor nursing team and special angel, Jaymie.
A celebration of life service will be held on Thursday, August 24, 2023, at 4:00 p.m. in the sanctuary at St. Mary’s Lutheran Church (2001 80th Street, Kenosha, Wisconsin). Visitation with the family will precede the service beginning at 1:00 p.m. A private burial will be held at South Bristol Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Bristol Fireman’s Association, the Friendly Center of St. Mary’s Lutheran Church or Willowbrook Assisted Living would be appreciated.
Casey Family Options Funerals and Cremations
Stephen P. Casey, Funeral Director and Owner
(262)653-0667
www.CaseyFamilyOptions.com
Mon - Fri: 8AM - 4PM
(262) 653-0667
3016 75th Street, Kenosha, WI 53142
Doug Hughes says:
Very beautifully written. She did touch the lives of many for sure. As a Deputy with Kenosha County I did stop at Bristol Fire occasionally and Judy always had a smile and friendly attitude.
Diana Christofferson says:
Thank you, Doug. She certainly enjoyed your conversation, and those with Ann at the Kidney Center.
Elaine says:
Judy was a jr high and high school friend. Later we sat together in church every Sunday with our husbands!!! We had a lot to talk about. Loved her bashful laugh.
Diana Christofferson says:
Mom was always happy to see you in church, and loved your lifelong friendship.
Susan Jozapaitis says:
The world has lost a great lady. I have so many memories of Judy. From
working together at Bristol Foods, Bowling teams, Women’s Aux, Halloween and Christmas parties with “Grasshoppers”, shopping trips to Chicago on the train,
and sharing recipes. My thoughts and prayers to Diana, Ronnie, Randy and
your families.
Diana Christofferson says:
Thank you, Sue. I have so many fond memories of our time together. There were always crazy stunts and plenty of laughs! You were a wonderful friend to Mom.
Linda Volling says:
Judy has left a beautiful legacy.
Such a wonderful community servant!
My heartfelt condolences to her family.
Diana Christofferson says:
Thank you, Linda. She certainly was a wonderful servant. You were a good friend.
Diana Christofferson says:
Thank you for your kind words, Linda. You were a good friend.
Rita Weis says:
I am so sorry to hear this. I loved Judy, or Ma as I called her. My Mom is surely happy to have her best friend with up in heaven. Although earth will miss her, heaven welcomes her. What I wouldn’t give to hear her say, “oh my God” one more time. Prayers for those left behind for peace. She was one of the best for sure!
Diana Christofferson says:
She loved you, too, Rita. You have so many memories with Mom.
Christine Volbrecht says:
She was like my second mom, in fact Ma is what I called. I loved talking with her and visiting. Having breakfast at Diner 45 with the whole group. And sometimes just with her and my Mom, Kate. My husband Brett and I will both miss her so much. I will pray for the family. I love ya Ma! Say Hi to my Mom and Dad, and all your loved ones. Don give her big hug.
Diana Christofferson says:
She will honor that request, Chris! Cherish the memories of Mom and Dad.
kathleen A Dischler-Noreen says:
Judy and Don were dedicated friends at St Mary’s Friendly Center. They brought Lively conversations to tne members. What wonderful peiople everyone loved. Rest in peace. Bob and Kate Noreen
Diana Christofferson says:
Thank you for your kind words, Kate. She certainly enjoyed her time with you at church.
Charlene Myers says:
Diana, Ron, Randy and families, Sending prayers of peace and comfort for you in your loss. Hugs and love, Charlene
Diana Christofferson says:
Hugs back! Mom will be missed so very much.
Diana Christofferson says:
Hugs and love to you, too, Char!
Jeannie Cornell (Madsen) says:
Judy will be missed! She was so kind and friendly to everyone at Willowbrook, I remember her being especially kind to my Mom and always got a good conversation going in the dining room. RIP Judy!
Diana Christofferson says:
Thank you, Jeannie. Your Mom became a good friend, and she certainly missed her. I donated the lamp back to Willowbrook to help someone else 🙂
Carolyn Owens says:
What a kind hearted soul she was. Always a smile and ever so kind.
She will be missed. God Bless.
Diana Christofferson says:
Thank you for your kind words, Carolyn. She and Dad loved to have you stop by and chat.
Judith (Bullamore) Nyland says:
My deepest heartfelt sympathy to Judy’s family. May the wonderful memories that you shared with her give you the peace and comfort that your heart needs. I am deeply saddened by the loss of someone so incredible, but I am still very blessed to have had the privilege of knowing her. Judy will be deeply missed not only by her family but also by all the people whose lives she touched. Her strength and courage inspired a lot of people, including myself. Bristol, Wisconsin, and Kenosha County has lost one of its very best. She will be long remembered for all the good work she did. Judy was truly a special woman who made our lives happier and the world a better place. May the legacy of her beautiful life and God’s Love be with all the members of her family and her friends at this very sad and difficult time.
Diana Christofferson says:
What a beautiful tribute to Mom. Yes, she was an amazing volunteer and inspiration to many. Thank you, Judy.
Ron and Ann Rosmann says:
Sending condolences to Diana, Gary, and families. May the precious lifetime memories live on and ease the sorrow you feel.
Diana Christofferson says:
Thank you, Ron and Ann. We certainly have many memories to hold dear in our hearts.