Judith A. Klappa

Judith "Judy" A. Klappa, age 74, of Wisconsin Rapids, passed away Monday, October 6, 2025, at Arborview Court in Wisconsin Rapids, after a long, courageous battle with Alzheimer's.
She was born October 10, 1950, in Wisconsin Rapids, the daughter of Raymond and Mildred (Appel) Henke. Judy graduated from Lincoln High School in 1968. She married David Klappa on September 16, 1972.
Judy started her career with Consoweld Corporation, a division of Consolidated Papers, and became office manager, where she worked for approximately 17 years. She then left the workforce for several years to be a stay-at-home mom for her two children. In 1990, she started her second career with Read Up, Inc., now Renaissance Learning, Inc., as the sixth employee to be hired by the new company. Judy worked in the technical support department until her retirement in 2012.
Judy was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother and loved spending time with her family. She and Dave spent many summers at the lake with the kids, boating, waterskiing, and fishing. The holidays were Judy's favorite time of the year, especially Christmas. She found great joy in decorating the house, baking, giving gifts, and spending time with loved ones.
Judy is survived by her husband of 53 years, Dave; her daughter, Chrissy Klappa and granddaughter, Hannah Smith, of Edgerton, Wisconsin; and her son, Jason (Julia) Klappa of Shorewood, Wisconsin. She is further survived by her brother, Gary (Sue) Henke of West Bend, Wisconsin; her sister, Nancy (Dave) Behrend of Wisconsin Rapids; her brother, Harvey (Brenda) Henke of Wisconsin Rapids; her brothers-in-law Raymond Klappa of Oak Hill, Virginia and Wayne (Bonnie) Klappa of Woodruff, Wisconsin; her sister-in-law, Kathleen (Ron) Shymanski of Wisconsin Rapids and many nieces and nephews.
Judy was preceded in death by her parents; her niece, Erin Henke; and her sister-in-law, Adelle Klappa.
A funeral service will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at Herman-Taylor Funeral Home in Wisconsin Rapids. Rev. Timothy Ritter will officiate. Visitation will take place on Monday, October 13, 2025, from 4:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. at the funeral home and again on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, from 10:00 A.M. until the time of service. Private entombment will take place at Forest Hill Mausoleum.
The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to Amanda, the director, and the caregivers of Arborview Court, as well as St. Croix Hospice R.N., Jennifer, for the compassionate care and incredible support they provided for Judy over the last 15 months.
Memorial donations may be made to the Wisconsin Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association.
Herman-Taylor Funeral Home is honored to be assisting the family.