With love and heavy hearts, we remember Judith Lynn Goodell Simenz, who passed away on October 24, 2025, surrounded by her family. Judy’s laughter, warmth, and fiercely loyal spirit touched everyone she knew. While we grieve her deeply, her love will remain with us forever.
Judy was the queen of fun—always the first to arrive and the last to leave a party. She loved hosting, dancing, singing, and anything that brought people together. She was kind-spirited, feisty, and had a heart of gold. Her larger-than-life personality and effortless humor lit up every room, and she had a gift for turning ordinary moments into unforgettable ones.
Born on March 6, 1942, in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, Judy spent her life in the community she cherished. After attending Stout State and Northern Michigan University, she returned home and married her Central High School sweetheart, David John Simenz, on September 1, 1962. Married for 63 years, Judy and Dave built a strong family and created homes filled with love, laughter, and countless gatherings.
Judy was the proud eldest of three sisters and considered them her best friends. She was also very close to her two grandmothers, who helped shape her loving and spirited nature. Judy admired her Uncle George Goodell and was devoted to celebrating their family’s legacy. She was passionate about genealogy and loved studying her heritage, especially her ancestors’ journey to America on the Mayflower.
Judy was a lifelong lover of music. She grew up in her father’s store, Goodell Music, and spent her youth exposed to the music business as well as his superb musicianship. He played the organ at Wesley Methodist Church, where the Goodell family was deeply involved, and played various instruments in several local bands. Judy played trumpet, marched in the band, and was an enthusiastic cheerleader as well.
Aside from running her household, Judy was devoted to her community and active in the Sheboygan Service Club and her church. A longtime member of St. Luke’s Methodist Church, she taught Sunday School and shared her faith with joy and compassion.
Judy was a proud “boy mom” and basketball fan, cheering on her two sons at North High School and having a ball watching them compete. She was proud of the lives and families they built and loved her daughters-in-law dearly. She also cherished the friendships her sons brought into her life. She was a second mom to all the young people who entered her home, making each one feel welcome, seen, and special.
Judy had a special gift for friendship and nurtured lifelong bonds with people who shared her joy for life. She cherished her bridge clubs and her beloved Red Hat Ladies, where she served as “Queen Mum.” Her friends were fun—just like she was—and she loved them all. Judy knew people everywhere, especially at restaurants, where she was greeted like family.
Above all, Judy treasured being a grandmother. During her grandchildren’s childhood, she and Dave hosted weekly “Grandparent Days”—taking them on various excursions. They were regulars at the YMCA, where everyone knew her as “Grandma Judy.” She never missed a sporting event, concert, or recital—always on the sidelines, cheering with pride. She was present for every milestone, big or small, always creating and capturing memories and making each grandchild feel admired, safe, and deeply loved.
Judy especially loved the holidays, making each one feel magical with festive decorations, thoughtful traditions, and always singing. Her celebrations were full of laughter, warmth, and the kind of togetherness that made everyone feel like they belonged. She was known for making an exceptional Wisconsin old-fashioned, and her famous chip dip was a staple at every gathering.
In their later years, Judy and Dave spent a great deal of time at their condo in Sister Bay in Door County, where they now have a bench in their honor. They shared this special place generously with family, including years of adventures on the boat Judy named 4Spass—German for “for fun.” Every Labor Day, she led the charge in decorating the boat for the annual boat decorating contest, dreaming up creative themes and helping her crew win several first-place ribbons. Judy also served her famous grilled cheese sandwiches on the pier, offering them to anyone who passed by with a smile. Her cooking was an extension of her love—simple, comforting, and always shared.
Judy is preceded in death by her parents, Doris and Winfield Goodell, and her sister, Sandra Goodell Renzelmann. She is survived by her husband, David Simenz; her children, David “Chip” (Leslie) Simenz and Bradley (Rebecca) Simenz; her grandchildren, Julia (Nicholas) Snow, Dayton Simenz, Audrey Simenz, Paige Simenz, and Grace Simenz; and her sister, Nancy (John) LaBouve. She is also survived by her niece, Liesl Testwuide, whom Judy lovingly promoted to “honorary sister”; Mark O’Brien, her “honorary son”; along with her nephews, extended family, and many dear friends, all of whom she held close to her heart.
Judy’s family would like to thank her many friends for their cards, flowers, food, and overwhelming support over the past months. A funeral service will be held at 1:30 p.m. on December 27, 2025 at Wesley United Methodist Church, 823 Union Ave., Sheboygan, followed by a celebration of Judy’s life. We welcome all who knew and loved Judy to join us.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice, whose compassionate care, love, and support meant the world to Judy and her family in her final days, or to the Sheboygan County YMCA.
“I hope you make good choices throughout your life. Do the right thing. Live by the golden rule.” — Judy
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