A Celebration of Life will be held during the first week of November 2026.
This page will be updated once arrangements have been finalized.

 

Judy (nee Olsen) Koerner

Judy (nee Olsen) Koerner, age 83, passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 10, 2026, leaving behind a family who loved her beyond words and countless friends whose lives were made brighter by her presence.

Born to Frances (nee Bazaine) and Earl Olsen, Judy grew up with her older brother, Roger, and began a life filled with family, friendship, adventure, and plenty of laughter.

On May 19, 1962, Judy married the love of her life, Ralph Koerner. Together, they shared 62 years of marriage, building a life and raising three daughters before Ralph’s passing in October 2024. Their partnership was one of devotion, teamwork, and unwavering support. When Ralph raced cars, Judy was right there beside him at the tracks, searching junkyards for parts and helping put things together whenever he needed a hand. She was never one to sit on the sidelines when someone she loved needed her.

In her younger years, Judy worked at her mother Fran’s restaurant on North Avenue while also working as a secretary, bookkeeper, and delivery person for her father Earl’s trucking company. She loved living in Bay View, and when her daughters attended Immaculate Conception School, she became a substitute teacher and their Girl Scout leader. She spent more than 50 years in Oak Creek before recently relocating to Waukesha to live with her eldest daughter and son-in-law.

Judy’s professional life was another source of deep pride and lasting friendships. For 34 years, she was a cherished member of the Marquette University EOP Family. She loved the people she worked alongside, but especially the students, who held a very special place in her heart. Her connection to that family will always be a meaningful part of her legacy.
Judy was funny, silly, sassy, generous, and wonderfully one of a kind. She enjoyed visiting casinos here in Wisconsin and in Las Vegas, trying her luck at slots, Craps, Blackjack, Keno, and BINGO. She was a lucky woman, but she also knew that luck could go either way. Her motto was always, “You win some, you lose some!” She approached life with that same spirit, finding reasons to laugh and reminding those around her not to take everything too seriously.

Some friendships are so special they last a lifetime. Judy’s dear friend Margaret Moe has been by her side since Judy was 16 and Margaret was 14. The two shared many memories, including riding horses with Ralph through Whitnall Park. Their decades-long friendship was a beautiful testament to the lasting bonds Judy formed throughout her life.

Of all her accomplishments, Judy always said she was most proud of bringing her three daughters into this world. She was an extraordinary mother who showed up for her girls in every way possible, through every circumstance and every season of life. Her daughters never had to wonder whether they were loved. Judy supported them wholeheartedly, and her love was constant, generous, and unmistakable. She was also a kind, thoughtful, and dependable friend who was always looking for opportunities to help someone else.

Judy is survived by her daughters Susan (Tom) Bentley and Sandy (Bill) Lovins; her grandchildren, Nick (Melissa), Samantha (Bret Beighley), Lauren (Isaac Hopper), Maxwell Sustachek, and Melanie Lovins; and her great-grandchildren, Charlotte, Amelia, Jordan, Elijah, and Eden, who brought her another generation of love and joy.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Ralph; her youngest daughter, Sharon Hess; her son-in-law, John Hess; and her older brother, Roger Olsen.

Judy’s love extended beyond her family, including to her beloved two-year-old cat, Max, whom she affectionately called her “Baby.” She missed him whenever she was away and once wondered whether it would be weird to call home just to leave him a message. That was Judy: full of love, a little silly, and never afraid to let her heart show.

She also held dear the memory of her friends Kathy Guida and Joanne Morgan, who passed before her. Now reunited with them in Heaven, there is little doubt that the three of them are already raising a ruckus together.
Eight years ago, Judy faced ovarian cancer and won. She thought she had scared that villain away for good, but sadly, it returned and took her from us far too soon. Although her time with us has ended, the love she gave, the laughter she shared, and the memories she created will remain with us always.

Judy leaves behind a family who will forever be grateful for her love, friends who will cherish her loyalty and laughter, and a legacy of kindness that will continue through all those she touched. She will be missed more than words can express and loved for the rest of our lives.

A Celebration of Life will be held during the first week of November 2026. Details will be shared once arrangements have been finalized.

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