Judith “Judy” Arlene Ellingson
Judith “Judy” Arlene Ellingson was born Nov. 13, 1935, to Arthur and Lillian “Lillie” (Shimek) Ellingson, and was called to her eternal place Wednesday, Sept. 1, 2021.
After the devastating loss of her father as an infant, Judy was raised by her mother, Lillie, and aunt, Alvina, in the Village of Cadott. Her cousins, Gary, Ken and John, became stand-in little brothers.
Being part of the Shimek clan meant attending activities and special events at the Bohemian Hall in Crescent, along with the other townsfolk, whose families shared a Czech origin. She always remembered those times fondly and would never pass up a plate of warm apricot kolaches.
After proudly graduating from Cadott High School in 1954, she worked at Mason Shoe in Chippewa Falls, then moved to Milwaukee, where she was a secretary at Allis Chalmers.
There, she met the man who would become her partner for the next 17 years, Ronald Lennie, and had her two daughters, Hana and Diana.
When Judy lost her mother, Lillie, in 1982, she moved her family back up north. That’s when she met the second love of her life, Rudy Novotny.
Judy and Rudy could often be seen about town, especially in the mornings, enjoying an early breakfast at DJ’s. She loved her travels with Rudy to Alaska, Oregon, Texas, New Orleans, La., and Nashville, Tenn., and with her daughter, Hana, to California and Nantucket Island, and with her daughter, Diana, to Minocqua and Thunder Bay, Ontario, for fall foliage excursions that might’ve included a casino stop.
She valued the peaceful living in Cadott, and hearing of all the local happenings throughout the years.
Judy was blessed to have seven grandchildren who would often wander into her kitchen to play cards, eat buttered toast and share secrets with grandma. And, more recently, she became doubly blessed, when two great-granddaughters were happily added to the fold, a constant source of pride for her.
She is survived by her daughters – Hana Johannesen and Diana Lennie (David) Mackie; step-daughters – Kathleen Lennie (Dave) Mattson and Terri (Lennie) Brahm; seven grandchildren – Darren, Logan, Margaux, Connor, Breven, Channing and Imara; and two great-granddaughters – Mia and Riley.
She will live in our hearts forever and be dearly missed, day by day.
A service of Christian burial was held at 11 a.m., Wednesday, Sept. 8, at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Cadott, with Deacon Ned Willkom officiating. Interment was in the St. Rose Cemetery, Town of Sigel, Chippewa County.
Visitation was from 4-7 p.m., with a 6:30 p.m. praying of the Rosary, Tuesday, Sept. 7, at Leiser Funeral Home in Cadott. Visitation was also one hour prior to the service, Wednesday morning, at the church.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.leiserfuneralhome. com.
