Judith Joellenbeck

Print Obituary
Judith Ellen Joellenbeck, nee Fink, 79, of Columbia, IL, born December 4, 1939, in Belleville, IL, died Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2019, while visiting her daughter and family in Craig, CO.

Judie retired from Sears in Fairview Heights, IL, where she worked as a sales associate. After retirement, she continued working as a receptionist at St. Paul’s Home in Belleville, IL, and the Falls in Columbia, IL. She attended Hope Church in Columbia, IL.

Judie loved her family most of all and treasured time spent with her grandkids and great- grandkids. Judie spent weekdays at the YMCA in Waterloo, IL, with her friends. She loved to travel before and after retirement, traveling to the Caribbean and most recently to Europe with a group of friends.

She was a very giving person to numerous organizations. Judie was a loyal platelet and blood donor and continued giving by making a donation of her organs in Colorado.

She was preceded in death by her parents, George and Cecelia, nee Wuerz, Fink; a beloved granddaughter, Katie Jean Joellenbeck-Busby; and three sisters, Rosemary Reeves, Lucy Frisby, and Margie Oliver.

Surviving are her children, Becky (Jim) Forquer of Craig, CO,
Tim (Tonia) Joellenbeck of Waterloo, IL,
and Chris (Laura) Joellenbeck of Trenton, IL;
a sister, Carol (Jim) Metzger of Trenton, IL;
her dear companion, Don Steele;
many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who knew her as Grammy and Mammy;
and many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations to Katie Jean 118 FRAM POB 81, Trenton, IL 62293, the Monroe County Humane Society, or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.

Visitation: Friends may visit from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, November 2, 2019, at George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, IL.

Funeral: Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, November 2, 2019, at George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, IL.

Burial will be at Valhalla Gardens of Memory, Belleville, IL. A celebration of life will follow at the Quail Club, 8303 Concordia Road, Belleville, IL.

Condolences:

7 Comments on Judith Joellenbeck

Rich and Joyce Gilley said : Guest Report Nov 02, 2019 at 12:59 PM

Sincerest condolences to all of Judie's family and friends! I know she will be missed by everyone who knew her. She was such a wonderful friend and I'm so pleased to have called her a Golden Girl! Heaven is rejoicing and her welcome must be amazingly joyful! Our wonderful memories must sustain us until we meet once again! Farewell dear friend!

  • OFallon
  • IL
suzanne smith said : Guest Report Nov 02, 2019 at 1:00 AM

So sad to hear about Judy. She was lots of fun at the Y and i always enjoyed chatting with her. We will really miss her.

  • columbia
  • il
The Frisby Family said : Guest Report Oct 28, 2019 at 8:57 PM

Dear Becky, Tim & Chris - We were very sorry to hear of Judie's passing. She was a wonderful person of whom we have many fond memories. Sincerely, Cousin Tia and Uncle Don.

  • Grand Rapids
  • MN
Myrna Smith Schild said : Guest Report Oct 28, 2019 at 12:03 AM

Judie's sudden demise has shocked our Millstadt VFW Jam session patriots and musicians where she and Don Steele attended regularly. I reminisced with her about courses and friends from B.T.H.S. where we were in the same graduating class. We also were the same age within two days and she was looking forward to her 80th birthday. She will be sorely missed and we send our condolences to her family.

  • Columbia
  • IL
Laurene Taylor said : Guest Report Oct 27, 2019 at 2:38 AM

Judy was loved by so many people. I remember her always having treats in her purse in case a kid asked for a cookie. She will be missed so much. Don Steele and Judy were so close for so long seeing his name in the obituary really touched my heart. Judy's family are in my thoughts and prayers.

  • Waterloo
  • IL
Mary said : Guest Report Oct 27, 2019 at 12:02 AM

At this extremely sad time we rejoice in the fact that Judie is reunited with her beloved family and friends in heaven.

  • Albers
  • Illinois
Cindy Aldridge said : Guest Report Oct 26, 2019 at 11:53 PM

Chris I am so sorry for the loss of your mother. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. ?

  • Dupo
  • Il

Add Public Condolence

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked.