Judith C. Erno, born on January 11, 1943, left her earthly life to be with her heavenly Savior in Heaven on Monday, August 16, 2021, at the age of 78. Judy was born and raised in the West Allis, Milwaukee area. Several years later, she moved to Merrill, WI, where she raised her family of four children. Judy waitressed at the Merrill Golf Course and eventually owned a nursery and landscaping company, which is where her green thumb and passion for flowers, shrubs and trees became a reality. Judy had so many house plants that the Merrill Foto News interviewed her for an article showcasing her having over 200 house plants. Later in life, Judy moved to Crandon, WI, to manage a bar/restaurant on Lake Metonga. Food was another one of Judy’s specialties, whether it was cooking the holiday meals or making each one of her children’s favorite dishes, cakes or pies, which were made with love and flavor! Eventually, Judy retired in Merrill where she continued her love for house plants, flower beds and cooking, and when that wasn’t keeping her busy enough, she became part of the Waves Salon family as the receptionist for Aimee, Heather and Mary – her “girls” as she referred to them. She also donated her time to the gift shop and blood bank at the hospital in Merrill. Judy will be remembered by her family and friends as quick witted, loving, caring and a strong independent woman, but most of all, our mom.
Judy is survived by her children: Jeannette (John) Whitt, Jennifer (Tony) Blank, Phillip Erno, Brenda Adamec, Dean (Karen) Erno and Jill (Mike) Mlinar, grandchildren: Nathan (Andrea), Olivia (Brad), Trae, Jalyn, Raymond, Dana, Kayla (Craig) and Valeri, great grandchildren: Aven, Brody, Landon and Dylan and brother: Jeffrey Smith. She was preceded in death by her parents: Raymond and Eleanor Smith, son: Daniel Adamec and granddaughters: Jordanne Murray and Tara Blank.
A Celebration of Life for Judy will be held at the Fraternal Order of Eagles, 1205 Lake St, Merrill, WI 54452, on Saturday, October 2, 2021, from 1pm-3pm, with a service at 3pm, then a dinner to follow. In lieu of flowers and plants, Judy’s family requests that donations be made to your local garden club in her name. Thank you. Waid Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Merrill is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences are encouraged and may be made at www.waidfuneral.com.