Judith Ann Winzenz

Judith A. Winzenz, age 85, of Appleton, WI, passed away after a sudden illness on February 2, 2025. She was born near Mason, MI, on October 2, 1939, to Marcus and Orhea Hanna. She attended Mason High School and continued her education at Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, MI. She earned a B.A. in English and Speech, along with her teaching certification. Judy later received her Master’s of Arts degree from the University of Wisconsin- Oshkosh in 1981. In 1963, she moved to Appleton, WI with her then husband, Jerold Winzenz. Judy had a tireless dedication for education and the arts.

In 1972, Judy accepted a position at Appleton East High School teaching English and she remained at East until her retirement in 1998. During her tenure, Judy developed and taught the Advanced Placement English language classes and saw many of her students go on to state universities as well as Ivy League schools. She also served as a reader for the Educational Testing Service College Board for several years. In addition to teaching, she took on many roles at East High School including assistant debate coach, English department head, school newspaper advisor, and director, costumer, and choreographer of six musicals. She continued to share her time and talents in the theater department by costuming many musicals and plays after her retirement. 

Throughout Judy’s lifetime, she served in various leadership roles in the Appleton community. During the 1960’s she was an active member and an officer of the League of Women Voters. In 1970, she was elected alderperson of the then 12th Ward in the City of Appleton, served two terms until 1974, and was city council president in 1973. In addition, she served on many council committees during that time.

After her retirement, Judy served on the Board of Directors of Attic Theatre for twelve years including two terms as president. During her presidency in 2007, Judy, along with many supporters worked diligently to save Attic Theatre from dissolution and was extremely proud of those accomplishments. She continued to serve on the board in various capacities, always remaining a loyal supporter of the arts.

She will always be remembered for her lifetime of community volunteer work, even up until days before her passing. Over the decades, she volunteered at Grignon Mansion, Fox Cities Performing Arts Center (PAC) as an usher, Hearthstone, Friends of Appleton Public Library, and many other organizations. Beginning in 2000, she was on the Board of Directors for the Appleton Education Foundation. She remained in that role for six years and had continued serving on various committees for the AEF until her passing.

Her hobbies included completing her daily crossword puzzle, heading out to water aerobics, trying out new recipes, baking family favorites, sewing, knitting, gardening, reading, researching her family ancestry, line dancing, in addition to ballroom and belly dancing, playing cribbage, painting, doing needlepoint, and playing Mahjong.

Judy was passionate about her family. She always treasured time with her children and grandchildren, especially at the family cabin on Lake Julia in Rhinelander. One of her greatest joys was a recent family trip to Alaska. Judy never turned down an opportunity to sit and share a story with friends and family.

Survivors include her son, Jacob (Lisa) Winzenz, Eau Clarie, WI and daughter Janice (Chip/Harold) Noffke, Appleton, WI; her grandchildren: Emily and Olivia Winzenz, and Kate (Kyle) Hurt, Benton Noffke, Isabelle Noffke, Elizabeth Noffke, and her beloved cats, Sonny and Cher.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Cherry Meadows hospice at Peabody Manor, especially Stephanie and Lisa. We could not have gotten through this difficult time without their compassion and support.

Donations can be made to one of the many organizations she supported with her time, talent, and interests: Appleton Education Foundation (AEF) Fox Valley Humane Assoc. Attic Theatre Hearthstone Museum The History Museum at the Castle Wisconsin Public Radio International Crane Foundation Friends of Appleton Public Library 

Please join us as we come together to celebrate the life of Judy Winzenz on Saturday, February 22, 2025 from 12-3 p.m. at Meade Street Bistro, 2729 N. Meade Street, Appleton, WI 54911. Her family will be present to greet guests who drop-in to share memories and stories of Judy as we celebrate the many lives she touched.