Judith A. Hoefner (Culligan), age 68, passed away peacefully Friday morning, January 28, 2022, at Aurora Medical Center, Manitowoc County, surrounded by her loving children.
Judy was born on June 9, 1953, in Manitowoc, daughter of the late Merlyn and Betty (Chermak) Hoefner. She graduated from Roncalli High School with the Class of 1971. She then continued her studies at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in social work. Judy served the community in many capacities as a social worker at Shady Lane, North Ridge, Manitowoc Health Care Center, Rainbow House, Holy Family Memorial Hospital, and finished her career at Aurora Medical Center. Over her 42-year career, she touched the hearts of countless patients, residents and families.
Judy was a past member of the Junior Service League, who enjoyed spending time with her Friday Fish Group, camping with family and friends, traveling with her sisters, relaxing at the family cottage on Cedar Lake, vacationing in Florida, and above all, spending time with her children and grandchildren. Judy lived each moment of every day full of joy, brightening the lives of everyone she met with her smile and optimism. She selflessly prioritized the needs of others in all the roles she embraced: daughter, big sister, social worker, mother, grandmother, and friend. Judy was the rock of her family who is loved and will be missed by all.
Survivors include: two sons and daughters-in-law: Matthew and Stacey Culligan, Manitowoc; Christopher and Mary Culligan, Wauwatosa; one daughter and son-in-law: Kate and Andrew Barca, Venice, FL; seven grandchildren: Lindsey, Claire, and Elise Culligan, Charlotte and Andrew Culligan, Vincent and Estelle Barca; two sisters and brothers-in-law: Margaret and John Miller, Minneapolis, MN; Liz and Bill Becker, Manitowoc; brother and sister-in-law: Chuck and Carol Hoefner, Manitowoc; aunts: Phyllis Elfner and Beatrice Buss, both of Manitowoc. Judy was a very special aunt to her many nieces and nephews. She is survived by other relatives and many friends. She was preceded in death by her brother, Greg Hoefner.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 5, 2022, at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 1121 North 14th Street, Manitowoc. Celebrating the Mass of Christian Burial will be Rev. Jason Blahnik. Entombment will take place at Calvary Chapel Mausoleum following Mass.
The family will greet relatives and friends on Friday, February 4, 2022, at St. Francis of Assisi’s Waldo site beginning at 4:00 p.m. and concluding with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. The visitation will continue the following morning, Saturday, February 5, 2022, at the church, from 9:30 a.m. until 10:45 a.m..
The family requests that all those in attendance wear a mask, regardless of vaccination status.
Memorials may be made in Judy’s name to: Roncalli Catholic Schools, Aurora Healthcare Foundation, and/or Common Hope.
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family by visiting: www.lakeshorefamilyfuneralhomes.com.
The Pfeffer Funeral Home of Manitowoc is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.
The family is thankful for the love and support shown to Judy and her family over the past two months. We want to especially recognize her Aurora family for their compassion and care shown to Judy during this difficult time.
Judy died from complications of COVID-19 and she wanted everybody to know that she was fully vaccinated and boosted and did everything right.
