Judith “Judy” Leona (Koplin) Kaminski, age 87, of Merrill, passed away on Thursday, June 27, 2024, while at the Aspirus Merrill Hospital, with her loving family by her side. She was born on January 18, 1937 to the late Herman and Julia (Gaspar) Koplin in Chicago, IL. Judy attended and graduated from Glenbard East High School in Illinois. She met Donald Kaminski, and the two exchanged marriage vows on April 16, 1955 in Illinois. He survives.
Judy, Dadow, Fadow, and Grandma were a few names that made her smile. Other than these names, many of the ways people may remember her best are by her love of horses and riding them in the Merrill Labor Day Parade, involvement in bowling and the leagues, having a huge garden and helping raise her grandchildren. Driving past or stopping by the long gravel driveway in the country, one would remember her tube top and short shorts while working in the garden, like a tan golden goddess! She was a homemaker, but also loved working at Les & Jim’s part time for weddings and especially being in charge of the cake cutting.
While raising their children, Judy enjoyed camping, rollerskating, water sports, and their house in Illinois was the neighborhood gathering spot. Judy was truly the matriarch of the family and enjoyed cooking and hosting family dinners and holiday gatherings on the farm. As well, the door was always open for hosting summer fun for out of state families. She wanted people to celebrate all the memories that were shared. She expressed her readiness to be free of pain the night before she passed, she knew that her body had worked against her for many years, yet her mind was sharp up until her last day.
Most important to her was her family, as is evident by her selfless and caring message she requested to read after her passing. “To all my loved ones. Don’t grieve for me. I have had a wonderful life. Thanks for all the love and generosity you’ve shown me. I’m taking lots of precious memories will me, and I hope and pray that you’ll also ‘Remember the Good Times!’”
Judy is survived by her husband: Donald Kaminski, children: Catherine (Scott) Weber, Stephen (Jennifer) Kaminski and David (Gail) Kaminski, her beloved grandchildren: Brad (Nikki Gerdes) Weber, Bernadette (Trent) Zuber, Brandi (Brandon) Binder, Korie (Scott) Karlen, Jeramie (Stefanie) Kaminski, Michelle (Ryan) Krueger, Katie (Jay) Proft, Daniel (Megan) Kaminski and Nicholas (Tracie) Kaminski, great grandchildren: Mariyah Weber, Faith Weber, Liberty Weber, Kennedy Gerdes, Xavier Zuber, Quinten Zuber, Emma Binder, Anna Binder, Brandon Karlen, Darin Karlen, Nathan Karlen, Loren Karlen, Carter Kaminski, Reese Kaminski, Ashton Kaminski, Jordan Kaminski, Abbie Krueger, Miley Krueger, Drew Kaminski, Mason Kaminski and Layla Kaminski, sister: Alice (Dave) Larsen and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents: Herman & Julia Koplin, brother: Herman Koplin, sister-in-law: Arlene Koplin, Parents-in-law: Leo & Margaret Kaminski and brother-in-law: Leo Kaminski, as well as decades of her beloved horses and a handful of her granddogs.
Per Judy’s request, there will be no services.
Judy’s family would like to thank the staff at Woodland Court for the care while she was there this past year, as well as the hospital staff at the Aspirus Merrill Hospital in her final days. Though we miss her dearly, we are grateful to have decades of memories to keep with us as we move forward with her being with us in our hearts and free from pain.
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