Judith "Judy" M. Schuster

Judith “Judy” M. Schuster, 85, of Sparta, passed away on Sunday, June 8, 2025 at her home with family at her side.

She was born on March 1, 1940 to Dr. Lawrence and Eileen (Wurschmidt) Lynn, in Chicago, IL. She grew up in Chicago and graduated from St. Patrick's Academy in Des Plaines, IL.

After high school, Judy attended St. Elizabeth Hospital School of Nursing, and received an Associates Degree. She married Walter V. Schuster on November 12, 1960 at St. Priscilla’s Church in Chicago.

While raising their own young family, Wally and Judy welcomed a handful of foster children during those early years.  She was forever an advocate for those at risk of being forgotten or neglected. It was 1975 when the family moved to Cataract, WI, and then to Sparta in 1987. Judy worked at the Morrow Home and St. Mary’s Hospital, retiring from Gundersen Health System in La Crosse, in 2013. Her career as a nurse spanned 53 years.

Judy was an avid doll collector, a subject she was very passionate, resourceful and knowledgeable about. She was an early member of Windy City Doll Club of Chicago and long-time member of the WIM (Wisconsin Iowa Minnesota) Doll Club. Judy was an active member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church and passed her love of the Catholic faith on to her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Judy's sharp wit and Irish humor will be missed by her children, Loreen (Tom) Abbott of Sparta, Donna (Jeff) Ruedy of Sparta, Rowena Schuster of Sparta, Angel (Amy) Schuster of La Crescent, MN, Carolyn (Rod) McKee of Sparta, and Ann (Jonathan) Richards of Sparta; 22 grandchildren; 2 step-grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; siblings, Lawrence (Jan) Lynn and Mary Lu Lynn; faithful furry companions, Bailey and Molly; and many other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Walter Schuster; son, David Schuster; and sisters-in-law, Diane Lynn, Barbara Kendrigan, and Helen Lukasik.

A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, June 16, 2025 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Sparta, with Father Eric Berns officiating. Burial will be in St. Patrick’s Catholic Cemetery Sparta with a lunch to follow in the church basement.

A Visitation will be held from 3 p.m. until 5 p.m. on Sunday, June 15, 2025, at Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation, Sparta, followed by a Rosary at 5 p.m. Visitation will continue from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. on Monday. Special thanks to the Sparta Area Ambulance Service, the angels from the Mayo Hospice Team, and her granddaughter, Kathleen, who spent countless hours caring for her. Memorials may be directed to St. Patrick’s Catholic School. Online condolences may be offered at  www.schanhoferfh.com

Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation, Sparta, is assisting the family with arrangements. 

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