Obituary of Judith A. Johnston

Judith (Judy) A. Johnston

Nee Schinschke

Judy passed peacefully at her home on the 31st of December, 2021. She celebrated the 22nd anniversary of her 59th birthday on February 7th of 2021 (DOB 2/7/1940). Judy was the beloved partner of Dennis Olson and a loving mother to James Felton, Jr. (Elizabeth Boehme), Douglas (Christie) Felton, Anne (Kathleen) Felton, and Matthew Felton, as well as two step-children, Ryan (Jennifer) Olson, and Rebecca (Marcus) Sjowall. Judy was the proud grandmother of Dana (Bernie) Felton-Reinhard, Michael (Dana) Felton, Amy (Mac) Schneider, Shane (Bradee) Felton, Emily (Krystal) Berry-Kangas, Johana Felton, Jussi Sjowall, and Thorin Olson, as well as great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her brother Richard (Bev) Schinschke; further survived by brothers James Schinschke, Robert (Chris Pitrof) Schinschke, and other relatives and friends.

Born to the late Adolph and Eleanore Schinschke, Judy graduated from Wisconsin Lutheran High School and was married shortly thereafter, choosing to start her career as a homemaker. Judy began a second career, driven by starting a shut-in program for the elderly at St. Lucas Lutheran Church; this spurred her to receive her MSW from UW-Milwaukee during her early 40s. Truly passionate about helping the elderly, Judy worked at Aurora-Mt. Sinai Hospital as a Geriatric Social Worker until her retirement in 2005.

Judy’s greatest joy was being at the beach, whether it was Ottawa Lake, Mexico Beach, FL., or a tropical island. She loved to go on long bike rides, especially the annual week long SAAGBRAW ride, go camping, blast Neil Diamond, geode hunt, go on multi-state geology trips, raft the Colorado river, and try new arts and crafts. This included brief affairs with sewing,

candle making at Ottawa Lake, macrame, crochet, embroidery, baking, basket weaving, and more. Judy was a trailblazer for her time and taught her children to reach out to those in need; there was always an extra seat at her table. A woman of many talents and passions, Judy will be remembered with love by those who knew her.

A Celebration of The Life of Judith Johnston will be held on Saturday, June 4, 2022 at Christ the Servant Lutheran Church (2016 Center Road, Waukesha, WI 53189.) The Memorial Gathering will take place from 10:00 - 12:00 a.m. with a Memorial Service to follow at 12:00 a.m.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Judy’s name to Compassion – releasing children from poverty in Jesus’ name, Milwaukee Rescue Mission, American Red Cross, or a charity of your choice.