Judith A. Jothen

1921 - 2018

Judith Agnes Jothen

Born: September 7, 1921

Died: June 6, 2018

Judith Agnes (Bertling) Jothen, age 96, of Cashton, WI, formerly of Shorewood and Joliet Illinois, died peacefully in her sleep on June 6, 2018 surrounded by her loving family.

Judith was born on the Cashton farm of her parent's, John and Agnes (Helgeheim) Bertling, on September 7, 1921. She walked and skied to Woodard Grade School and Cashton High School. During high school Judy met the love of her life, Marvin Jothen of Westby, at a parade in Cashton.

After graduation, Judith studied at the Normal School in Lansing, Iowa, and then taught one year in a rural, one room school. When she realized her students would always be taller then her and that water and wood had to be hauled for the schoolhouse, she moved to Minneapolis and attended business school instead.

But Marvin's presence at the Philadelphia Naval Base during WWII prompted Judith to bravely move across the country and put her business skills to work in Washington D.C. as part of the clerical pool for the war effort. Judy and Marvin married in D.C. in 1942.

Judy spent the next decade growing a family while adjusting to new locales: Michael was born in Jenkintown, PA, Maria and Ingrid were born in LaCrosse, WI and Justine was born in Waterloo, IA. A career change moved the family to Joliet, Illinois in 1953 where Judy became very active and engaged in Messiah Lutheran Church, school band parents, and bowling leagues. She also started working outside the home when her children were all of school age, spending the next 35 years as a personal secretary and human resource specialist for the Keck Electric Company.

In 1994 Judy and Marvin retired and moved to the good life on their farm in Cashton, Wisconsin. Those were enjoyable years of travel, visiting family, having many visitors themselves, and helping any one who was in need.

Judy loved to challenge family members to cards and scrabble and her kitchen often smelled of lefse and waffles; she was a mean square dancer and a gracious host to anyone who entered her home. She was very active in church and had a strong faith in our Lord and Savior.

She will be missed by her family, Michael (Gail) of Phoenix, MD, Ingrid (Gary) Lansing of Ossian, IA, Justine (Michael) O'Connell, of Shorewood, IL; 11 grandchildren, and 19 great grandchildren. Her best friend and sister, Nora Marie (Bertling) Jernander; and her extended nieces, nephews, family and friends will also cherish her memory.

She was preceded in death by husband, Marvin; daughter, Maria Kristine; her parents, Agnes and John Bertling; brothers, Orval, Alf, Norbert; and her sister, Lillian Hilden.

The funeral service will be held in Newry at the North Coon Prairie Lutheran Church on Friday, June 15, at 11:00. Visitation will be one hour before services at the church.

The Torkelson Funeral Home of Cashton, WI, is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be offered at, www.torkelsonfuneralhome.com.