Judy Lee Nicholson (Gardner), 85, of Soldiers Grove, Wisconsin went peacefully to her eternal home on October 20, 2026, at Soldiers Grove Health Services.

Judy was born on August 3, 1941, in Soldiers Grove to Ernest and Ruth Gardner (Slack), baptized and confirmed at Kickapoo United Lutheran Church where she later married Bill Nicholson on June 14, 1958.

Judy was a very active member of Our Saviors Lutheran Church, taught Sunday school, bible school, youth leader, janitor, pianist for many different programs and the organist for Our Saviors and Luther Memorial for 45 years. Judy volunteered a lot of her time to helping others and music therapy. Judy was very clever in her crafting abilities, helping Bill with Lunch wagon and of course sneaking out at the auctions to buy a teapot or two!! Judy was the Activities Director at Sannes Skogdalen Heim for many years and devoted herself to helping residents! With her patience Judy drove bus for North Crawford for 10 years!

Judy is survived by four children, Vicky, Carmen, Mary and Paul; 10 grandchildren; 20 Great grandchildren; one Great-Great grandson; one brother, Dean Gardner; one sister-in-law, Gwen Gardner.

Judy was preceded in death by her husband Bill; her son David and her son-in-law Martin Stankovich.

In lieu of flowers the family requests a donation to North Crawford Rescue Squad in Soldiers Grove, Wisc.

A prayer service was held at 3 p.m. on Monday, October 26, 2026, at Vosseteig Funeral Home in Gays Mills. Visitation was held from 1 p.m. until the time of the service. Online Condolences may be expressed at www.vossfh.com.