Judith (Judy) Ann Hillert of Mondovi passed away peacefully on Friday, August 7, 2015 surrounded by her loving family. Judy was born to Fred and Florence Marty in Stanley, WI on March 26, 1946. She grew up in Granton, WI, was baptized and confirmed at United Methodist Church, and graduated from Granton High School. Judy married her high school sweetheart, Don Hillert, on June 20, 1964 and they were blessed with a son, Rick, and a daughter, Linda, while living in Granton. They moved to Mondovi in March 1966 where they were blessed with another son, Chuck, and three more daughters, Donna, Kay and Kim (twins).
Judy loved being a mother and did lots of sewing for her children, baking tons of cookies for her kids and their friends, who were always welcome to their home. She enjoyed baking and was always testing out new recipes. She made many friends through Homemakers Club and Central Lutheran Church, where she taught Sunday School and Confirmation, was involved with Ladies Aid jobs, and served on the church council. Judy loved flowers and had many flower gardens in her yard. When her children were little she had a huge vegetable garden from which she canned and froze fruits and vegetables. She enjoyed sharing and receiving recipes and was thrilled to get a church cookbook to read. Judy always read books during the cold winter when the ground rested. As her children grew up, she was not only their mom but had become their friend and they enjoyed vacations together, shopping trips, camping and swimming. Judy worked in the Mondovi School kitchen for 30 years and enjoyed the kids so much. Her motto was Live – Laugh – Love. God gave her these words to live by and she always said she was very blessed and thankful. She had six godchildren who she loved very much.
Judy is survived by her husband of 51 years, Don; her six children, son, Rick of Oak Ridge, TN, daughter, Linda (Matt) Mai of Eau Claire, WI, son, Chuck of Durand, WI, daughter, Donna (Jim) Pullman of Eau Claire, WI, daughter, Kay (Adam) Brubaker of Stratford, WI, and daughter, Kim Rennich of Mondovi, WI; her precious grandkids Kayleigh and Cole Hillert, Austin Mai, Mickena, Megan and Emily Rennich, and Ryan and Kyle Brubaker; her brothers and sisters, whom she loved so much, Darrel (Aloma) Marty, David (Debby) Marty, Cheri (Jack) Downer, Don (Philly) Marty, Sandy (Roy) Bieneck, Duane (Tammy) Marty, Lori (Marlo) Pichla-Fritz; three brothers and sisters-in-laws; 25 nieces and nephews and many friends and other relatives. Judy was preceded in death by her parents, her father and mothers-in-law, and close friends so dear. Her wishes were to be an organ donor and she gave the gift of sight to two people. She chose to be cremated and to have her ashes given to God’s glory. She wanted her life to be celebrated with fun and silly stories and sharing memories of her with one another. May she have left a good mark on this world and as angels protect and watch over us, so will she. She will forever be in the hearts of those who loved her and will be dearly missed. A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, August 12 at Central Lutheran Church in Mondovi. Visitation from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. with a service to follow. Memorial donations in memory of Judy will be given to a children’s charity.