Judith “Judy” E. Steinagel, age 81, of Merrill, passed away on Tuesday, September 3, 2024, at the Aspirus Hospital in Wausau, after a courageous medical battle, with her family at her side.
Judy was born on March 29, 1943 in Wausau, the daughter to the late Elmer and Evelyn (Mielke) Heise. Judy attended and graduated from Wausau High School. She met her husband, Merlin Steinagel, and the two exchanged marriage vows on September 15, 1962 in Wausau. He proceeded her in death on August 7, 2019.
Judy worked at Weinbrenner Shoe Company during her younger years, but enjoyed being a homemaker and stay at home mom. She loved watching the birds at her feeders, especially the hummingbirds. Judy enjoyed spending time in her flower gardens, watching game shows and football. She is well-known for her baking skills, especially everyone’s favorite chocolate chip cookies! She looked forward to time with her card club friends and playing cards with her beloved grandchildren. Judy adored her grandchildren and looked forward to seeing them every chance she could. She is lovingly remembered as being strong-willed and was a caring and patient woman. Judy will be sadly missed, but never forgotten.
Judy was a member at Trinity Lutheran Church, Town of Berlin, also past member of the church choir. She was past member of the Town of Corning Fire dept auxiliary.
Judy is survived by her sons: Dean (Donna) Steinagel, Brian (Jodi) Steinagel, both of Merrill and Kerry (Stefanie) Steinagel of Cottage Grove, WI, daughter: Linda (Steve) Schultz of Merrill, grandchildren: Kalin, Makyla, Kensey, Bridget, Jase, Carter and Nathanael, great grandchildren: Ryan, Skye, John, Ellie, Xzverikz, Carson and Ezro, brother: Gene Heise of Florida, along with many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband: Merlin, brothers: Roger and Dale Heise, sister: Lois Kainz, brothers-in-law: Gilbert and Harold, sister-in-law: Irene Bartelt, along with many nieces and nephews.
The funeral service for Judy will be held on Saturday, September 14, 2024, at 12:00 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church, Town of Berlin. Rev. Andrew DeGier will officiate. Visitation will be held on Saturday, September 14, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service, also at the church. Burial at the church cemetery immediately following the service.
For those unable to attend the service in person, it will be recorded and available for future viewing under her obituary on the funeral home website.
In lieu of flowers, family strongly suggests that donations in Judy’s name be directed to either the Arc of Lincoln County (honoring her great granddaughter) or Merrill City Flower Basket program.
The family wishes to thank the caring and professional staff at the Aspirus CICU in Wausau and Aspirus Palliative Care Unit, especially nurse Lorraine. 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.