Judy Ann Held passed away peacefully at Betty’s Harbor at New Perspective in West Bend on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, at the age of 86.

Judy was born to Emil and Erma Schroedel (nee Brehm) on February 14, 1940 in Wisconsin Rapids, WI. After graduating from Lincoln High School in Wisconsin Rapids in 1958, Judy enrolled in Deaconess Nursing School in Milwaukee. She worked as a Registered Nurse for a couple of years when she met Calvin “Kelly” Held Jr. in Milwaukee. They we married at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Wisconsin Rapids on February 16, 1963.

Judy was a registered nurse for over forty-years and spent most of her career at St. Joseph Hospital in West Bend as an OB nurse, having helped with the delivery of hundreds of babies. She also worked in ambulatory surgery as a certified diabetes educator at the time of her retirement. Judy also volunteered her nursing services at the Albrecht Free Clinic for several years.

Judy loved to socialize in Bible study, bridge club and book club. She belonged to those groups for many years. She enjoyed theater, opera and going to symphony performances. She loved traveling with friends and family to destinations such as Disney World, Egypt, Scotland, Ireland, Germany, Italy and Hawaii.

Judy also loved to shop and regularly made mall pilgrimages with her sister, nieces, daughter and granddaughter to spruce up her wardrobe for upcoming occasions.

Judy had a strong faith and served as a volunteer for a number of church positions. She was a member of LWML for years. She lived her faith by cooking and delivering many meals to sick friends, neighbors and family.
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Judy is survived by her daughter Heidi (Gerald) Shupe, son Michael; grandchildren Joshua (Megan) Shupe and Katherine Shupe. She is further survived by her nieces Susan McHugh, Teri Voelker, and Linda Gibson and their families, as well as her brother-in-law, William (Marcia) Held.

She is preceded in death by her parents Emil and Erma Schroedel, sister Janet Mensching and beloved husband Calvin “Kelly” Held, who died in April of 2026.

Judy's family would like to greet relatives and friends at St. John’s Luther Church (809 S. 6th Ave. West Bend, WI 53095) from 10:00am until 11:45am. A Funeral Service will follow at 12:00pm with Pastor Jeff Hesse presiding. Private family interment will be at Washington County Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are appreciated to St. John’s Lutheran Church of West Bend and Living Word Lutheran High School in Jackson.

A special thank you to the staff at Betty’s Harbor at New Perspective and the staff of Horizon Hospice for their kind and compassionate care of Judy.