Obituary
Judith Ann (Axon) Stodola
Judith Ann (Axon) Stodola, 82, of Onalaska, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully at home on September 6, 2026, surrounded by her husband, children, grandchildren, and loved ones throughout the day.
Judy loved talking with people and learning about others. She had a big, warm heart, made people feel welcome, and had a wonderful ability to listen and encourage.
Born November 29, 1943, in Spooner, Wisconsin, to Evelyn and Ellis “Al” Axon, Judy grew up in Shell Lake. She attended the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, where she was a proud member of Delta Zeta sorority, and later earned her master’s degree in education.
Judy taught history and geography at Onalaska Middle School during her 30-year teaching career. She was a tough but fair teacher. Years later, former students told her and her family how much she had meant to them.
In 1966, Judy married her high school classmate, Jack. Together, they raised Craig and Kristin and traveled the world, visiting 32 countries. They also traveled throughout the United States and rode their bikes over 1000 miles each year, exploring trails and local eateries and often finishing the day with a good Reuben sandwich and a slice of pie. Later, they spent winters in the South, riding bikes, walking beaches, and welcoming visits from family and friends.
In retirement, Judy joined knitting and book clubs, took up photography, swam with friends at “The Y,” and brought communion to people who were homebound.
Above all, Judy loved being a mother to Craig and Kristin and a Nanna to William, Jonas, and Keegan. She read them books, baked cookies, could take a good practical joke, and would even take a fish off a hook when needed. She was someone her family could always turn to and somehow seemed to say the right thing at exactly the right time.
During the last six years of her life, as Alzheimer’s took away many of the things Judy loved to do, Jack remained by her side and made sure she could stay comfortably in their home. A wonderful group of women helped him care for Judy, and her family will be forever grateful for their kindness and care.
Judy is survived by her husband, Jack; her children, Craig (Angie) and Kristin (Andy); her grandsons, William, Jonas, and Keegan; her sister, Beth; and many dear girlfriends, all of whom said that Judy was their best friend.
Coulee Region Cremation Group is assisting the family during this difficult time.
To Judy’s family, I am so very sorry to read about Judy’s passing. I worked with Judy at OMS for a number of years. She also was both my children’s teacher. Judy was a wonderful teacher. She cared about her students. Always kind and patient, always positive and fun. She was a favorite of many. My sincere condolences to her family. ❣️
To Jack, Craig, Kristin and family–please accept our condolences with the passing of Judy. Our many years of being close neighbors are very memorable, especially when our sons, in their younger years, played with Craig in our back yards. Judy and I shared a friendship; we enjoyed our lunch times together. Judy was a very kind person.
Roberta
Russ and I are saddened by this news. Jack and Judy were our neighbors and we appreciated their friendship. Deepest sympathies to her family.
Mrs. Stodola was my 6th grade social studies teacher and one of the very few creative teachers I had in my years in the Onalaska school district. I used her as a role model for my own years in the classroom teaching social studies.
I’m so sorry to learn of her passing and will pray for
her family. May the peace of Jesus be with all who mourn her loss.
Gerriann
Mom ❤️
I have told you this before, but you were my everything. You were the first person that I wanted to call with good or bad news and sometimes I just wanted company on my walk home from work. You offered me unconditional love and support. I cannot express how much this meant to me. Alzheimer’s changed how we could be together. It seems like a long time since we went shopping together and I miss the advice you used to give me. I have been mourning you for a long time, while still loving you. Now that your gone, I miss you in different ways. I love looking at pictures of us.
Mom, we are all richer for having you in our lives.
Can we all send love and healing during this time to the family of Judith Stodola….
We all have or will walk in the steps this family is going through.
Judith thank you for caring your adopted little girl. You taught her so much. Jack thank you also for caring for my gift from God. ♥️
Our condolences to the Stodola family following Judy’s passing. We are long time neighbors and so enjoyed sitting by our pools when the kids were little. Always a smile and always so kind.
Will miss seeing Judy in her yard.