Judith “Judy” Ann Hengel passed away on Sunday, May 25 at the age of 65. Her bout with cancer was relatively brief with a swift decline.  In her immediate family, she is preceded in death by her only daughter Taryn, and her parents Jean and Ray. She is survived by her son Evan, her three sisters – Sue (George), Nancy (Keller), and Teresa (Raymer) – and her brother Jeff.

Judy had a good life. In her early life in particular, she was social, fun-loving, and enjoyed camping, spending time on the river, and going to rock concerts.

As a mother, Judy was dedicated to her daughter Taryn, who had severe disabilities. After Taryn died, she provided respite care to numerous kids with special needs.

Then along came Evan – a baby with special needs – who most of all needed a mother. Judy adopted Evan as her son.

In this same timeframe, she met Mr. Glen Caseres, and his kids Gitana and Dominic…who all formed a family together.

For some 25 years, Judy dedicated much of her personal life to attending to Evan’s needs. And she dedicated much of her work life to advocating for, and caring for other kids and young people with disabilities. She worked as a special education teaching assistant/paraprofessional.

Judy was surrounded by her siblings and extended family in her final days. The Hengel family would like to express special appreciation to the Caseres family for their support to Judy over the years, and who will continue to be a family to Evan in the future, according to Judy’s hopes and wishes.

Judy, Rest In Peace…

All of Judy’s friends and relatives are invited to attend funeral services at Mary, Mother of the Church (located on 2006 Weston St, La Crosse) on Tuesday, June 3 at 11:00 AM. Following the service, a lunch will be served at the Mirage Sports Bar (located on 3511 Mormon Coulee Rd, La Crosse) for any who would like to attend.