Rev. Judith L. Huseth

1948 - 2025

Rev. Judith L. Huseth

July 20, 1948 - September 1, 2025

Rev. Judith "Judi" L. Huseth, age 77, of Janesville, died peacefully with her husband at her side on Monday, September 1, 2025, at Mercy Hospital, Janesville.

Judi was born on July 20, 1948, at Bethesda Army Hospital in Maryland, the daughter of John and Percelia (Willis) Wilson. As a proud military child, she experienced life in many places growing up - including living in Germany twice. A highlight of her youth was being confirmed at the Castle Church in Wittenberg, Germany - the very church where Martin Luther nailed his 95 Theses, sparking the Protestant Reformation.

After graduating and settling in Texas, Judi earned a Business Degree from the University of Texas at Austin. She began her professional life as an accountant, achieving these milestones as a devoted single mother. Later, answering a deep call to ministry, she earned her Master of Divinity from Wartburg Theological Seminary in Dubuque, Iowa, where she became the first woman elected Student Body President - a reflection of her strong leadership and deep commitment to her faith.

Judi was ordained into the American Lutheran Church in 1983 at Faith Lutheran Church in Austin, Texas. Her first pastoral call was to Grace Lutheran Church in Darlington, Wis., followed by St. John's Lutheran in Madison. While serving as an interim pastor for several congregations, she also completed her Master of Sacred Theology. She later accepted a call to St. John Lutheran Church in Janesville, Wis.

On July 25, 1998, she married the love of her life and best friend, Terry Huseth, at Faith Lutheran Church in Janesville. Her final call was to St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Sterling, Ill., before retiring in 2012.

Judi lived life with joy and enthusiasm. She loved singing, dancing, attending concerts, playing cards (especially Cribbage), and Scrabble with Terry. A devoted baseball fan, she and Terry enjoyed traveling - especially to Arizona for Fall League Baseball, to Sedona and to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, to escape Wisconsin winters. Judi had a vibrant spirit and was affectionately known as the "cool mom" to many of her children's friends. She found deep joy in her role as Grandma/Mimi and cherished time with her grandchildren.

She is survived by her loving husband, Terry; her four children: David McCall of Austin, Texas, Michele McCall of Madison, Wis., Heather (Jim) Adams of Franklin, Tenn., and Alyssa Huseth of Janesville, Wis.; her beloved grandchildren: Elyse and Emily Adams, and Maverick Huseth; four siblings: Doris Barbee of Colonial Beach, Va., Anne (Gerry) Hilbert of Burnet, Texas, her twin brother Randy (Rae) Wilson of Eastland, Texas, and Donny (Tyra) Wilson of Burnet, Texas; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives; and dear friends. She was preceded in death by her parents.

A memorial service to celebrate Pastor Judi's life will be held at 11 am on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, at Faith Lutheran Church, 2116 Mineral Point Ave., Janesville. Rev. Collette Broady Grund will officiate, and Bishop Joy Mortensen-Wiebe will be in attendance.

Visitations will be held on Tuesday, September 9th, from 3 to 6 pm, at Apfel Wolfe Funeral Home, 21 S. Austin Rd., Janesville, and again on Wednesday from 10 am to the time of service at Faith Lutheran Church.

Memorials in Judi's name may be made to Faith Lutheran Church, Janesville, or Wartburg Theological Seminary, Dubuque, Iowa.

Online condolences may be shared at www.apfelwolfe.com.