Judy Lynn Vliet

Mount Pleasant - Judy Lynn Vliet, 71, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on January 11, 2025. She was born as a twin on June 18, 1953, to Florence and Leonard Straube in Racine, WI. Judy was a shining light in the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her journey on this earth was one marked by beauty, compassion, and an unwavering love for her family. She was a wonderful daughter, mother, grandma, sister, and friend who was always there when we needed her the most, offering support, wisdom, and love in abundance. Judy, or better known as “Grandma JuJu,” had an immense love for her family, especially her three grandchildren: Owen, Cooper, and Aubrey. She spent weeks at a time watching her oldest grandson, Owen, grow. They would sit by the roadside and try to get the trucks to honk, marvel at the construction equipment, hike along the river, and sneak away for a sweet treat of Culvers ice cream. Her life was filled with more love and joy when Cooper and Aubrey were born. She enjoyed the sweet baby cuddles, singing to them, and taking them for rides in her wheelchair. She had an adventurous spirit which took her to many different places. She made numerous road trips with her family to multiple states. Along the way they saw Niagara Falls, the life size Noah’s Ark, Mount Rushmore, held alligators, hiked national parks, ran 5Ks, and helped to make a batch of wine at a winery. She was a proud mother when she traveled to California to watch her son, Travis, graduate from Military bootcamp. She also traveled with her daughter, Michelle, to Ireland where they toured multiple castles, gardens, and kissed the Blarney Stone. Although the adventure was fun, she loved the most being at a cabin in the woods enjoying the peace and serenity nature has to offer (and a glass of wine). Beyond her travels, Judy used her talents as a former cosmetologist to give her family haircuts, perm her mother’s hair, and proudly give Owen his first haircut. She built a fulfilling career as a medical assistant with Ascension Healthcare system, which she retired from in 2019. Since her retirement, Judy enjoyed bowling, walking local trails, playing tic, listening to local bands, and playing with her grandkids. In the kitchen she baked her famous rice crispy treats every time the grandkids came to visit, made strawberry jam, and kept alive the tradition of making her aunts famous cut out cookies every Christmas. Judy will be greatly missed by her children: Travis (Laura) Vliet and Michelle (Kenny) Ginder; grandchildren: Aubrey Vliet, Owen and Cooper Ginder, and a baby boy Ginder on the way; mother, Florence Straube; and siblings: Sharon Lopez, Donna (Ed) Sandle, Janet (Paul) Carmody, and Karen (Mike) Bolles; as well as countless nieces and nephews. Judy was preceded in death by her father, Leonard Straube; brother-in-law, Manuel Lopez; nephew, Matt Bolles; and dear family friend, Mark Rickard. A celebration of Judy’s life will be held at Wilson Funeral Home on Saturday, January 25, 2025, from 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM. A service will be held at 12:00 PM with a luncheon to follow. In lieu of flowers, you can make donations to the ALS Tribute Fundraiser (Judy Vliet) or for a memorial park bench to be placed at the Pike Pathway trail near her condo.

Judy Lynn Vliet

June 18, 1953 - January 11, 2025