November 22, 1935—September 14, 2020
TOMAH - Judith “Judy” Helming, 84, of Tomah, died Monday, September 14, 2020, at the Serenity House. She was born November 22, 1935 to Reuben and Hazel (Merchant) Jerdee in Tomah. Judy was baptized and then confirmed on May 7, 1950 at St. Paul Ev. Lutheran Church, Tomah. She was a member of the Tomah Senior High School Graduating Class of 1953. In 1953, she met the love of her life, Robert Helming. They were married in 1955. He preceded her in death December 12, 2019. To this union a girl was born, Debra Ann.
Bob and Judy bought a Standard Oil Station and ran it until 1968 when it was sold due to Highway 12 widening through Tomah. Judy worked in La Crosse after graduation, then Fort McCoy and then for the Department of Veterans Affairs in Tomah for 33 years, before retiring in 1990. Bob and Judy had a hobby farm, raising beef cattle and saddle horses. They were members of the Tomah Saddle Club. She loved camping, especially at the campsite at Lake Neshonic. She loved making crafts, she had a meticulous lawn and loved her gardening. She had a passion for canning and cooking and will always be remembered for her scalloped corn. She enjoyed attending car shows, Friday night fish fry’s and having a brandy old fashioned, and taking trips to the casino. Judy was fun loving, feisty, and lived life to the fullest. She loved her daughter and the grandkids and great-grandkids.
She is survived by her dear daughter Debbie; her grandchildren, Tammy (Julie) Noble of Warrens, Melissa Pergande of LaGrange Park, IL, Ryan (Amber) Pergande of Wilton, Jason Pergande and Chad Pergande, both of Tomah; great-grandchildren, Aviana and Augustyna Pergande; a sister, Ruby Jerdee of Weirsdale, FL; a brother-in-law, Tom Helming of Tomah; a sister-in-law, Georgia Sierra of Appleton; and many dear nieces, nephews, and friends.
In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her son-in-law, Mike Pergande; parents, Reuben and Hazel; a brother, Robert Jerdee; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Clara and Anthony Helming.
A funeral service will be held on Friday, September 18, 2020, 3:00 p.m. at St. Paul Ev. Lutheran Church, 525 Superior Ave., Tomah. Pastor Robert Gerke will officiate
A graveside service will be held on Friday at 3:45 p.m. at the Mount Vernon Cemetery, Town of Tomah.
Relatives and friends are invited to call on Thursday, from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Sonnenburg Family Funeral Home, 801 E. Monowau Street, and at the church on Friday from 2:00 p.m.. until the time of the services.
Online condolences and full obituary information can be found at www.sonnenburgfamilyfh.com.
Immediately following the graveside service, everyone is invited to gather at Murray’s on Main for a toast to Judy and perhaps join the family for fish fry.
Those in attendance are encouraged to use CDC recommended guidelines for Social Distance and Safety Measures.
Sonnenburg Family Funeral Home
