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Judith Ann Kurpiel
1949 - 2019
Judith Ann Kurpiel
1949 - 2019
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1949
DIED
2019
Judith Kurpiel Obituary
Born: June 6, 1949; in Detroit Lake, MN
Died: December 10, 2018; in McHenry, IL
Judith "Judy" Ann Kurpiel, 68 years old, born to John "Jack" Dahlquist and Charlotte (Berggen) Dahlquist of Minnesota, passed away December 10, 2018 while in Hospice care at Alden Nursing Center in McHenry, IL.
She was preceded in death by both her parents and both sets of grandparents.
Judy lived in Chicago for several years before moving to Wood Dale, IL. She graduated from Fenton High School in 1967 and went to Northern Illinois College in DeKalb, IL. She was studying Nursing for 1 1/2 years but left to get married.
She went to work at a Veterinarian office as a Veterinarian Assistant and then a professional dog and cat groomer. She went on to own her own shop called Little Critters Pet Grooming and Supply in Elk Grove Village, IL. During her 40 years in her own business, she also opened her own pet grooming school called Windy City School of Pet Grooming.
She was a mentor and teacher, never to be forgotten by those she met.
She was also a Grooming Show Judge, award winning Groomer, Member of the 1998 Groom Team U.S.A. In 1988, Traveling to London, England. She was past president of the Illinois Professional Dog Groomers Association, and also helped to found and run and Past President, Head Certifier for International Professional Grooming Certification Testing Organization.
She was always adopting stray cats, dogs, and any stray wildlife in need.
In her spare time, she enjoyed camping, watching T.V. and reading.
She is survived by her two sisters, Cynthia, Betty; and four brothers, John, Ralph, Richard and Bruce. Also, eleven nieces and nephews and sixteen great nieces and nephews, and her cat, Cali.
We wish to thank all the staff at Alden McHenry and Family Centered Hospice for all their terrific care and love they showed her.
A Memorial Service will be held after the New Year.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to American Diabetes Org., American Heart Association, or a charity of your choice.
Arrangements handled by Affordable Cremations, LLC, Oak Lawn, Illinois.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
6 Entries
Penny Underhill
January 15, 2019
I 1st met Judy at a grooming convention in 1983. She quickly encouraged me to continue my education through certification and competitions. She had a way of making you feel like the best groomer! Her knowledge and generosity was amazing! Some of my fondest memories of her or coming up each year for the all-American grooming show coming to her shop we would all get lunch talk catch up during Certification and getting ready for the competition. I had my daughter Julie in 1992 and was certifying and Judy was Generous and happy to hold her while I performed my duties. Those were great times and I will miss her! Rest in peace dear Judy!
Barb Koffski
January 8, 2019
What can I say. My heart is broken. Judy was the kindest, most giving person I have ever known. When I wanted to be a groomer, but didn't have the money, she hired me as her assistant so she could teach me as I worked for her. She asked me that first day if I was afraid of any dogs. I said yep. I'm afraid of German Shepherds. She made sure I groomed every German Shepherd that came through the doors. I very soon lost my fear of German Shepherds! She was always there to listen and give advice. She was a mentor, friend, boss and teacher to me and many others. May she rest in peace.
Mary Miller
January 8, 2019
So sorry to hear that judy passed away she was a good person. When i started my grooming career judy was a person who i had great respect for. When i decided to start my certifiecation she was a great help. She is the judge for all my certifications. I really looked at her as a mentor. I know when she gets to heaven the dogs and cats will be lineing up for her. The grooming industry has lost a very important person who cared about animals and people. My god bless her and her family.
And into a salon environment you will be missed Judy God bless you Blair
January 5, 2019
Just you were such a inspiration to me . You were my mentor in my beginning years as a professional pet groomer. I became a master groomer which helped which help further my career. Words to describe Judy would be selfless encouraging and fun I truly believe you helped take grooming from the basement And into a salon environment you will be missed Judy God bless you
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April Perry
January 3, 2019
Judy was an amazing person who touched the lives of many in a very positive way. I worked for her for several years at Little Critters but always remained her friend. She was a mentor to me as she was to many other people and she will be dearly missed. Judy shared her knowledge and love of grooming to anyone she met. She encouraged me to continually better myself and always inspired me. I do not think I would be where I am today if it was not for her and everything she helped me with. Some of my fondest memories are when we traveled to conventions and seminars together.
American Heart Association
January 3, 2019
May your memories of the wonderful times you shared with your loved one comfort you and your family, today and always.
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