Judith R. "Judy" Leipold

1945 - 2024

Jefferson, WI - Judith R. "Judy" Leipold passed away peacefully at her home on Sunday, June 23, 2024, surrounded by her family. Judy was born on November 26, 1945, in Hustisford, Wisconsin, to Raymond and Lorraine (Roe) Roth. She was the third of five siblings, who were Judy's closest friends and confidantes throughout her life. Judy was baptized, confirmed and a graduate of the elementary school of St. John's Lutheran Evangelical Church in Jefferson, where she was an active member of the Church for many decades. She graduated from Lakeside Lutheran High School in 1963 and pursued a degree in nursing. In 1968, Judy married William Mantz, and had three children - Grant, Melissa and Margo. With all of the personal and professional success that Judy later achieved, she often remarked that raising her children and watching them grow up and pursue their dreams, was the most rewarding thing she had ever done. After spending many years working as a nurse in eldercare, in 1988, Judy tapped into her natural talents as an entrepreneur. Judy, a trailblazing woman and role model to her four granddaughters, founded her own healthcare staffing company, Country Nurses, which she successfully ran for more than 25 years. Her firm provided invaluable services to her clients and the community during its tenure. Judy had a knack for cultivating personal relationships, making connections and for making people feel special. These traits enabled her great success as a significant leader in the business community. Judy's professional accomplishments allowed her to take leadership roles in many local philanthropic activities and charities. Judy was involved in several community service organizations in Jefferson County, including Kiwanis, Cab Rides for the Elderly, the Humane Society, Tomorrow's Hope, Friends of Our Schools and the Jefferson Food Pantry. In addition to generously supporting these organizations, Judy was known for her generosity to her extensive network of family and friends. On March 13, 2004, Judy married Kenneth "Ken" Leipold. Together, Judy and Ken enjoyed traveling, socializing, golfing, attending sporting events and visiting family. Their personalities complemented each other perfectly and they shared much happiness over the years until Ken's death in 2021. Throughout her life, Judy took pride in her house, which was always perfectly maintained, and she enjoyed decorating for each and every holiday. Judy had a "green thumb," and a beautifully landscaped yard, earning her botanical awards. Judy's flowers and her bird feeders gave her much joy even in the last weeks of her life. Judy had a lifelong interest in travel and musical theater. Judy traveled extensively to Europe, London, Paris, as well as taking Caribbean and Mediterranean cruises. She attended shows and plays all over the world, from Fireside to Chicago, Broadway and even the West End Theatre District in London. She loved to sing and dance along with musical soundtracks, and her favorites, Mamma Mia! and Dirty Dancing were played extensively in her final months and hours, as her love for performance and music held strong. Throughout her life, Judy was dedicated, passionate and determined. She beat the odds several times after her initial cancer diagnosis in 2019. Until the end, Judy lived life to the fullest, on her own terms, and surrounded by her loved ones. Her life ended as she had wished, in her own home, with her family at her side and the birds chirping in her beautiful yard. Judy is survived by her children, Grant (Rachel) Mantz of Chicago, Melissa (Jameison) Guld of Cambridge and Margo (Jake) Mantz-Wichman of Johnson Creek; Stepchildren, Kristine Leonard of Watertown and Lance (Kelly) Leipold of Lawrence, Kansas; grandchildren Allison and Ella Mantz, Elisabeth Guld, Nora Wichman; step-grandchildren Rhett Leonard, Lindsey and Landon Leipold; siblings Jane (David) Fischer of Jefferson, John (Vicki) Roth of Jefferson; brother-in-law Gregory Procknow of Fort Atkinson and sister-in-law Carol Roth of Fort Atkinson. She is also survived by 11 nieces and nephews and 24 grand nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Kenneth; brother, James Roth; sister, Janice Procknow and grandson, Pierce Guld. Judy's family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to all of her caregivers. We appreciate the kindness and love they showed Judy in her final months. A Christian Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 6, 2024 at St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jefferson, with visitation from 9:00 am until time of service. Burial will follow in the Christberg Cemetery. A reception will follow the burial at the 214 Event Center, 214 Golf Drive, Jefferson. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church or Rainbow Hospice.