Judith Louise Gilbertson, 84, of Holmen passed away peacefully in her home on Wednesday May 20th, 2026. Judy was born on March 19th, 1942 to Bernice (Foss) and William Barney in her family home on French Island. Judy was the youngest of ten!

Judy attended Logan High School, where she met the father of her children, Gary Slaback. Judy and Gary had three children: Susan (Wes) Wolfe, Troy Slaback and Mark (Tronda) Slaback. The family lived on the North Side of La Crosse until they moved to Holmen while the children finished high school. Gary and Judy got divorced in the early 80s, giving Judy the chance to meet the love of her life, Wendell Gilbertson. Judy and Wendell got married on March 19th, 1983. The two of them created a blended family with the addition of Wendell’s children: Jeff, Lisa, Krissy and Jason. Judy and Wendell treasured their life together. You would often catch them dancing, fishing, or spending time with friends. Together they built a business painting and finishing houses, new and old! Judy enjoyed hanging wallpaper, painting, and finishing wood work. Her favorite part of the project was sitting back and admiring their work.

The couple would go on trips with Judy’s sisters and their spouses, and spent the holidays with their blended and growing family. We almost lost Judy in 1993 when she suffered a double brain aneurysm. Judy thankfully beat the odds and was able to recover. When Wendell passed in 1996, he took a piece of her heart with him. After the loss of Wendell, Judy spent her time working many odd jobs. Her favorite was delivering newspapers. To pass the time, Judy loved shopping. Thrifting and finding the best deals and bargains were her favorite. She also liked to travel and enjoyed playing the slot machines at the casino.

Later in life Judy found her love of pets, and they would often be treated like family and go everywhere with her. Judy is preceded in death by her parents Willaim and Bernice, her siblings, Lola, William Jr, Bobby, Baby Beverly, Patty, Nancy and Sandy, husband Wendell, son Jason, and son-in-law Wes.

Judy is survived by her children, Susan, Troy, and Mark, sister Elaine, Brother Keith and many grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Her memorial service will be held on Thursday, May 28, 2026 at 11:00 am at The Gathering Place, 133 Mason St., Onalaska, WI.  Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service.   Coulee Region Cremation Group is assisting the family.