Judy Kay Ziese

Judy K. Ziese, of Stevens Point, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family, on November 29, 2025, at the age of 74.
Judy was born February 24, 1951, in Prairie du Chien, WI; daughter of the late Bernard "Bud" and Slyvia (Fralick) Kaufman. She grew up on the Wisconsin River in Bridgeport, WI, where she attended local schools. In 1969, she graduated from Prairie du Chien High School.
Following high school, Judy attended UW-Richland Center. While there, she met Ervin "Erv" Ziese and later became his wife; a role she devoted herself to every day of her life. Together they welcomed their son, Ian, and their daughter, Rachel. To help support their family, Judy worked a variety of occupations including part time postal manager, day care provider, wedding photo editor, floral designer, and adult care giver. In 1995, she began working for Community Industries Corporation. She was initially a day care assistant, but eventually worked her way to the position of Respite Coordinator which she proudly worked until her retirement in 2013.
Judy loved photography, movies, history, reading, and poetry. Whether she was reading a book or watching TV or a movie, her favorite genres were fantasy and sci-fi. She also loved music and had a wide range of interests, from Kansas to Guns'n'Roses. Above all else, she loved her family most of all. She was an intelligent woman, both intellectually and emotionally. She had a true gift of guiding those in need through difficult times. She wanted nothing more than to help people be the best version of themselves and live a good life. Her empathy for others and her caring nature made her beloved by all who knew her. The love in her heart expanded to nature as well. She was passionate about taking care of the Earth through conservation and recycling. To top it off, she had a wonderful sense of humor that ranged from silly to dark and everywhere in between. Judy truly lived a life full of love and laughter!
Judy is survived by her husband, Erv; her son, Ian (Shannon) Ziese of Eagan, MN; her daughter, Rachel N. Ziese of Elk River, MN ; and her grandchildren, Audrey and Alex of Eagan, MN. She is further survived by a sister Michelle "Shelly" Trautsch of Prairie du Chien; a brother Phillip "Phil" Kaufman of Mondovi; her step-mother Mary Jane Kaufman of Prairie du Chien; her sisters-in-law Timi Kaufman of Moweaqua, IL, and Linsey Kaufman of Mondovi; a brother-in-law Brian Trautsch; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Judy was preceded in death by her parents, Bud and Sylvia; and a brother, Brad Kaufman.
For those wishing to express their sympathies, the family kindly suggests in lieu of flowers, donations be made in Judy's honor to one of the following charities: Alpha-1 Foundation (alpha1.org), Alzheimer's Foundation (donorservices.alz.org), Heifer International (www.heifer.org), or Wisconsin Public Radio (www.wpr.org).
A Celebration of Life will be held for Judy on May 23, 2026, from 10:00 AM until 4:00 PM at the Menzel Pavilion & Friends Amphitheatre at Schmeekle in Stevens Point, WI.
Shuda Funeral Chapel is honored to be assisting the family.
A Beautiful Heartfelt Tribute to Judy - Written by her niece, Natalie:
"My dearest Aunt Judy's time on Earth ended this morning and I want to share with you all what she means to me. She was incredibly intelligent, thoughtful, patient, & kind. Her love was unconditional. Genuinely believing in the hope of a more just, humane, and open-minded world, she helped reinforce and form my worldview.
After losing my dad (her brother) & my spouse, she was there for me in grief more than most. During covid lockdown we would talk on the phone for hours upon hours, growing closer in my adult life than I ever could have hoped for.
She was the last person my dad ever spoke to, his little sister whom he had boundless love for. I hope their reunion right now is everything they hoped for and know they are looking out for us.
There are many memories I will always treasure, especially her teaching me about genealogy and working on our family tree together. I owe her a massive debt of gratitude for gifting my family a carbon monoxide detector one Christmas when I was a child that, only a few months later, saved not only my life, but that of my mom, brother and sister as well.
I couldn't have asked for a better aunt who always stepped up to have my back however she could. Though her health conditions dealt her a difficult hand for decades, she wasn't one to complain and loved on her family throughout it all.
My Uncle Erv has been a tremendous caregiver and husband to her, and I ask that you keep him, their children Rachel, Ian & his wife Shannon, and her two grandchildren in your prayers, along with our entire family.
I will honor her legacy and example, and want my nephews and nieces to feel as loved by me as I have by her. I love you forever, Aunt Judy. Until we meet again. "