Judith Anne Ertl

Judith Anne Ertl June 19, 1943 - October 31, 2025 Judith Anne Ertl, lovingly known as “Judy” and “Mema” to her family, passed away peacefully at the age of 82 on October 31st, 2025, in Wentzville, Missouri.

Born in Bettendorf, Iowa, to Carl and Anne Ertl, Judy dedicated her life to family, faith, friends, service, and education. She graduated from Assumption High School in 1961, earned her bachelor’s degree in education from Marycrest College in 1965, and received her master’s degree in education from the University of Missouri - St. Louis in 1970.

Judy’s teaching career spanned many decades and continents. It began in Davenport, Iowa, then in Hazelwood, Missouri, before she joined the Department of Defense Dependents Schools in 1970, where she taught children of U.S. service members. Her journey in DoDDS schools started in Yokohama, Japan. Judy then transferred to Spangdahlem and Rhein-Main, Germany, for 23 years and finished her 31-year career in Okinawa, Japan, before retiring in 2001. While teaching overseas, her coworkers became like family: close friends with whom she shared countless adventures and travels that enriched her life.

A passionate educator, Judy especially loved her work as a reading specialist. She took pride in helping students discover the magic of reading and the power of words. Her patience, creativity, and dedication left a lasting mark on countless young lives.

After her retirement, she made her home in Wentzville, Missouri, where she lived for 24 years.

Judy was a devout Catholic whose strong faith guided her life. She was an active parishioner with the St. Patrick Parish, Wentzville, and volunteered at the parish’s St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store and Food Pantry, giving generously of her time and heart to help others in need.

An avid traveler, Judy’s adventurous spirit took her across the globe. Some of her favorite countries to visit were China, Spain, Morocco, Turkey, Egypt, and many European nations, including the countries she called home, Japan and Germany. She embraced new cultures and histories and delighted in trying cuisines from around the world. She even witnessed a remarkable moment in history, the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, and quite literally took a piece of history home with her.

At home, Judy enjoyed socializing with friends and family while playing cards and games. Although she did not have children of her own, she treated all her nieces and nephews as if they were hers: with love, pride, and unwavering support. To the younger generations, she was “Mema”, always ready with a story, a laugh, and a kind word.

Judy was preceded in death by her parents, Carl and Anne Ertl; her brother Ken Ertl; and her great-niece Michelle Weckerly (Larson).

She is survived by her brothers Larry Ertl and Dan (Bettye) Ertl; her sister-in-law Jan Ertl; 9 beloved nieces and nephews: Betsy (Dan) Larson, Jeff (Stefi) Ertl, Ken Ertl, Mike T. Ertl, Tami (Greg) Repp, Kevin (Colleen) Ertl, Jennifer Wobser, Mike J. Ertl, and Amanda (Mike) Randazzo. Judy is also survived by 17 great-nieces and great-nephews and 9 great-great-nieces and great-great-nephews, all of whom brought her great joy.

Judy will be remembered for her kindness, devotion to family, and deep faith in God, along with her contagious laugh and smile.

Visitation begins at 9:30 a.m. and the Funeral Mass will follow at 10 a.m. at St. Patrick Church in Wentzville, Missouri, on Friday, November 21, 2025.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the St. Patrick Church St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry (https://giving.parishsoft.com/app/form/b149043f-2cfd-4291-b393-ad74f4d289e0), The National MS Society (https://www.nationalmssociety.org/how-you-can-help/ways-to-give), or The American Cancer Society (https://www.cancer.org/donate.html).