"She had such a loving heart."
In loving memory of
Judith Franzwa
August 15, 1941 - October 13, 2021
Judith Marie (Schmidtknecht) Franzwa
Judy died peacefully on October 13, 2021, at the age of 80 surrounded by her family.
Judy was born at home in Cream, Wisconsin to Louis and Arlene (Jahn) Schmidtknecht.
She graduated from Cochrane Fountain City High School and on November 7, 1964 she married Edward L. Franzwa in Fountain City, Wi.
Together they had four children: Bev, twins Jim & Jerry, and Keith. Judy worked alongside Ed, hauling milk in the business they owned, E.L. Franzwa Milk Transports in Minnesota City, MN. She hauled milk, did the bookwork, and raised their family. Later they owned and operated Minnesota City Transfer together where she was the hub of the home office. Judy was efficient and meticulous in everything she did.
When Ed died in 1999, she moved to Goodview, MN and worked at Jim Haas and Associates in Winona.
"Goober," "Judith" and "Mrs. F." were just a few of the names she was lovingly called. She enjoyed playing bingo and an occasional trip to the casino. She was a great cook and was always very generous with gifts to her family and friends. Judy was an avid bowler in her younger days and attended many state bowling tournaments. She will be remembered for her fierce and dedicated work ethic, her immaculate home and business, her fight to keep her family in tow and her wonderful laugh and smile.
Judy is survived by her 4 children, Bev (Randy) Speltz, Jim, Jerry (Kelly), and Keith; grandchildren, Keith, Elaina, Jason, Joshua, Jennifer, Crystal Rose, Alex, Aron, Kelly, Nicole and Kylee; 13 great-grandchildren; brother, David (Joy) Schmidtknecht; sister, Luann Ammann; sisters-in-law, Marie (Kenneth) Schmidtknecht-Reed, Ruth (Leo) Schank, Karen (Richard) Daly; brothers-in-law, LaVern (Lucille) Franzwa, Duane (Linda) Franzwa and Michael Franzwa and many nieces and nephews.
Judy was preceded in death by her parents, husband, brothers, Allen and Gerry; sisters-in-law, Elizabeth and Sandy; brother-in-law, Devon and her niece Susan.
Judy's family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the health care teams at Gundersen Health system, Olmstead Medical Center and Winona Health Hospice.
Memorial Service will be 4:30 p.m., Friday, October 22, 2021 at Hoff Celebration of Life Center - Goodview with the Reverend Michael Cronin officiating. Visitation will be 3 p.m., until the time of the service. She will be laid to rest at St. Paul's Cemetery in Minnesota City. Hoff Celebration of Life Center is assisting the family with arrangements. www.hofffuneral.com
Tributes
"Judy was the best. Everytime she walked into a room she would light up he room with happiness and joy. She made everyone smile and laugh. She was the best person ever. "
"Such a kind and giving person. She always brightened our days/nights when we bowled together and on our girls ?shopping? weekends. ?? "
"Our deepest sympathy for your loss "
"So sorry for the loss of your mom, Bev. She had been blessed with many \"grands\" and \"greats\" to brighten her days."
"We will miss you Judith-Goob...love Duane and Linda Franzwa"
"My deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Judy."
"My deepest sympathies to Judy\'s family. I enjoyed working next door to her at Haas, & doing her hair for a number of years. She was always so fun, we knew alot of the same people, so we always had things to talk about, I will miss her ,RIP Judy????"
"Family of Judy, May you find peace in the days to come, cherish her memory?. God Bless Tammy Seebold"