Judith Ann Kufahl

Judith Ann Kufahl, 79, of Wausau was called to her rest in Jesus’ arms on Wednesday, April 2, 2025 at Wood Aven Health and Rehabilitation, under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services.

Judy was born to Reuben and Mildred (Maaser) Schult on August 28, 1945, was baptized into Christ on September 23, 1945, and confirmed in the faith on March 22, 1959. They made their first home on Kings Court on Wausau’s east side while making many memories building a beloved cottage on Seven Island Lake in the Harrison Hills.

Judy was a lifelong member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Wausau, attending their elementary school with many of her cousins, and was blessed to have her aunt Martha as her 3rd grade teacher. She was a 1963 graduate of Wausau High School and began her next level of education at Northcentral Technical college while working at Wausau Insurance. It was there that through her aunt Martha, the Lord placed within her heart a desire to become a teacher. She began her studies at Concordia Milwaukee where she (along with her cousin Marjorie) was one of the “Brave 33” young ladies who were a part of the college’s first female students, graduating in 1967. Judy finished her education at Concordia Chicago, and received her first teaching assignment to instruct 2nd and 3rd grade classes at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Green Bay.

While at Redeemer, one of her fellow teachers encouraged her to meet his cousin, Elmer, and one thing led to another. Judy and Elmer were united in marriage on August 12, 1972, making their home in the quiet town of Rib Mountain. Judy continued to teach 3rd grade at Trinity, until she was blessed with two children of her own, Peter and Angela. In 1986, Judy took on a part-time teaching opportunity at Trinity that soon turned into a full-time passion until her retirement in 2009.

Judy was blessed with additions to her family in 2000 as Angela married Christopher Raasch and in 2009 as Peter married Amy Christianson. From these unions, Judy loved her rays of “sunshine,” grandchildren: Samantha, Matthew, Jackson, Adalynn, Coleton, Mitchell, and Alayna.

Judy loved to collect many things. From music boxes, to bells, to Swarovksi crystals, to lighthouses, to cats, and a few others in-between, but the greatest collection she loved were her friends. Whether they were her family members, colleagues, students, or people she built a relationship with… she loved and cherished and prayed for so many beloved people in her life, the list of which is too great to mention here. For many of these friends, she would sit and knit afghan blankets for them, all while talking to Jesus and singing hymns with a cat or three on her lap.

Throughout her life, Judy was blessed with a faith in Jesus that shaped so much of everything she said and did. She loved to share Jesus in a way that was unique to her, and because of that love of Jesus, she was loved by many. Thanks be to the Lord God for His work done through His child whom He lived, died, and rose for, that eternal life may be hers!

Judy is survived by her husband, Elmer; her son, Rev. Peter (Amy) Kufahl of Eagle River; her daughter, Angie (Chris) Raasch of Milan, MI; and grandchildren, Sam, Jack, Cole and Mitch Raasch, and Addy and Alayna Kufahl.

She was preceded in death by her parents and grandson, Matthew Raasch.

Funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, April 10, 2025 at Trinity Lutheran Church, 501 Stewart Ave, Wausau, with the Rev. James Mayland officiating. Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service. Burial will be in the Maple Grove Cemetery, Town of Maine.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to Trinity Lutheran School are appreciated.