Nov. 3, 1959 – Feb. 3, 2025
Judith (Judy) Charlene Knutsen, beloved mother and grandmother, passed away peacefully at her home on Monday, Feb. 3, 2025, at the age of 65 in Sturgeon Bay.
Born Nov. 3, 1959, Judy was the daughter of Charles and Mabel (Sternard) Knutsen and raised in Sturgeon Bay. At the young age of 2, her father passed away from a heart attack. Mabel would marry Carl Nelson. He and Judy would soon build a bond. Some of the activities Judy loved growing up were spending time with dear childhood friends going to places like Otumba Beach and Peterson’s Pool, family time at the cottage in Dyckesville, and climbing the tower at Pot Park.
Judy attended Sturgeon Bay High School graduating in 1976 and carried out multiple certificates from NWTC. She was a passionate CNA for 20+ years and really adored the patients she worked with and supported. Judy had an ability to just love people for who they were and see them for the joy that they could build together, especially in her patients. There was a period of time that she worked at Federal Mogul, and similarly, years later all she would talk about was the nice, kind people she met and worked with.
Judy met Tom Schiman in 1983. They married and would go on to have three children together. They would raise their family in Two Rivers, until 2017, when she moved back to Sturgeon Bay to be closer to friends and family.
Judy loved garage sales, thrift stores, and finding a good deal wherever she went. She enjoyed the simplicity of a nice cup of coffee in the morning and whenever her kids would visit. Over the years, she had many cats that also added great warmth and joy to her life – most recently Jack who has been a great comfort over the past couple years. Judy enjoyed visiting Sunset Park in Sturgeon Bay with her kids accompanied by a nice meal at Graystone.
Judy is survived by her children, Robert “Bobby”, Kristine, and Kevin Schiman; her Godmother, Harriet (John) Paral; her sister, Joyce (Pete) Peterson; brother-in-law, Jim Olbrantz; and grandchildren, Cole and Grace.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Mabel Knutsen; stepfather, Carl Nelson; sister, Janet Olbrantz; brothers, Jim and John Sperber; and many aunts and uncles that were very dear to her.
A special and sincere thank you and appreciation to Lakeland Care and their staff for being there for Judy over the year, Harriet Paral and Kevin, her son, who have been her rock over the years, and to her late sister, Janet, who was her best friend and caring companion.
A celebration of life will be postponed until the Springtime in memory of Judith Knutsen, to honor her wishes. If wanting to be kept up to date on further details of the gathering, please email her daughter, Kristine, at [email protected] to be in touch.
Huehns Funeral Home, Inc. & Cremation Services in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin is assisting the Knutsen family. Expressions of sympathy, memories, and photos of Judy may be shared with her family through her tribute page at huehnsfuneralhome.com
