Judith Nelson

Judith Lee (Heintz) Nelson, 87, passed away on May 24, 2023, at Primrose Memory Care of Wausau following a lengthy battle with Alzheimer's. 

Born in Merrill, Wisconsin on May 26, 1935, Judy was the daughter of the late Leo and Dorana (Muck) Heintz. After graduating from UW-Stevens Point with a degree in Elementary Education, Judy worked as a first-grade teacher for several years.

Judy married Ronald Nelson on June 13, 1959, welcomed two children, and created a warm and loving home for her family in Wausau. When her children were young, Judy began teaching English as a second language in the Northcentral Technical College GOAL lab. She remained in this career teaching and helping students until her retirement. After the passing of her first husband, Judy married Russell in April of 1994. Later in life, Judy enjoyed many years of travel, and invested her life in family and friends. Some of her favorite times were making memories with her grandchildren. 

Throughout her life, Judy found great joy and desire to help and serve others. She volunteered her time and talents at numerous Wausau charities and organizations. Among these were the Shrine Auxiliary, Easter Seals of Wisconsin, Altrusa International, Aspirus Hospital Festival of Trees, Midstate Epilepsy Association, and many years as a Leigh Yawkey Art Museum greeter. Judy was a long-time and active member of Wesley United Methodist Church. She was a member of the United Methodist Women and served on numerous committees throughout the years. 

Judy will always be remembered for her generosity, love, and gentle spirit.

Judy is survived by her daughter Kristin Nelson, and her husband Tim Jauernig, two grandchildren Tyler (Amelia) Jauernig and Jensen Jauernig, and one great-grandchild Cayde.

Judy was preceded in death by her first husband Ronald Nelson and her second husband Russell Stahnke and her son Brian (Nancy) Nelson. 

Visitation will be held June 5, 2023, from 5-7 p.m. at Helke Funeral Home, 302 Spruce Street, Wausau, WI. Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 am on June 6, 2023, at Wesley Methodist Church, 1101 Elm Street, Wausau, with a visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. prior to the service. Burial services will be held at the Restlawn Cemetery, Wausau following the funeral service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts in honor of Judy Nelson may directed to Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Service, c/o the Aspirus Health Foundation, 425 Pine Ridge Boulevard, Wausau, WI 54401 or to the Alzheimer's Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Fl. 17, Chicago, IL 60601.

Judy's family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to the caregivers of Aspirus Comfort Care & Hospice and to the caregivers of Primrose Memory Care for the wonderful care and support given to her. Their gifts of kindness and love were appreciated and will certainly be passed along to others in need. 

"A Life Well-Lived Leaves Behind a Beautiful Bouquet of Memories"-Marjolein Bastin