Judith Ann Elsen

Judith Ann Elsen, 69, of Onalaska, passed away on Thursday, October 17, 2013 at the Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center, surrounded by her family. She was born on August 22, 1944 in La Crosse to Henry Red and Shirley (Temp) Wittenberg. Judy grew up on the north side of La Crosse and graduated from Logan High School in 1962. Her family moved to Onalaska where her sister Jane introduced her to Larry Elsen. Judy and Larry were married on May 2, 1964. They moved to Virginia while Larry served in the Navy. Their daughter Lynne was born while Larry was out to sea. Judy and Larry moved back to Onalaska where their daughter Cheryl and son John were born. Judy and Larry bought the Holmen Locker Service in 1978 which they operated until 1996. After selling the Locker Plant Judy enjoyed spending time with her five grandchildren. She also enjoyed bingo, bowling, and visiting the casino.

She is survived by her husband Larry, three children, Lynne (Robert) Gaustad of Holmen, Cheryl (Mike) Patterson of Spring Grove, MN and John (Kristin) Elsen of Holmen, five grandchildren, Austin, Caleigh, Isaac, Madeline and Mallory, Her father Henry Red Wittenberg of Onalaska, a brother Jim (Diane) Wittenberg of Milwaukee, and her friend and neighbor of 44 years, Lois Rahn. She was preceded in death by her mother Shirley, and her sister, Jane Alton.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, October 21, 2013 at 10:30 AM at First Lutheran Church in Onalaska. Pastor Ted Dewald will officiate. Burial will be in the Onalaska City Cemetery. Friends may call at the Schumacher-Kish Funeral & Cremation Services of Onalaska, 907 Sand Lake Road, on Sunday from 1:00 4:00 PM and at the church on Monday from 9:30 AM until the time of services. In lieu of flowers memorials may be given to the Gundersen Lutheran Hospice Program or Childrens Miracle Network.

Judys family would like to thank the doctors, nurses and staff at Gundersen Lutheran 3 Center, 4 Center and Hospice for their support and for the wonderful care they provided