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Judith Ann
Gueldner
November 17, 1943 – March 5, 2026
Judith "Judy" Ann (Fostvedt) Gueldner, age 82, of Manitowoc, Wisconsin entered her heavenly home with her Savior Jesus on March 5, 2026.
Judy was born on November 17, 1943, to Sidney and Ardis Fostvedt in Rice Lake, Wisconsin and became a child of God through Holy Baptism in January 1944. Her love of learning began at the Otterholt Grade School across the road from the family farm outside of Chetek. Early on, the teacher gave her Mother Hubbard workbooks, which she thoroughly enjoyed. After completing the 8th grade, Judy attended Chetek High School and graduated in 1961. Judy loved music and excelled in clarinet during high school and college, eventually playing many years with Manitowoc Lakeshore Wind Ensemble. Judy earned her registered nursing degree from Madison General School of Nursing and Bachelor of Science in nursing from the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee.
Judy married Dr. Terry Gueldner in 1968. They made their first home in Milwaukee, Wisconsin where she worked as a registered nurse. They moved to Seattle for Terry's surgical residency and returned to Wisconsin in 1975 where Judy supported Terry with his medical practice. Together, they built a family home in Manitowoc and raised four children.
Judy and Terry sought a cherished Christian Lutheran education through Immanuel Ev. Lutheran Church and School and at Manitowoc Lutheran High School, where Judy established and directed the Clarinet Choir. They supported founding the nursing program at Wisconsin Lutheran College in Milwaukee, where she was a member of the Nursing Committee. Retiring in 2015 with Terry, Judy focused on enjoying God's gift of seven grandchildren and established a seasonal home in Naples, Florida, where they also attended Our Savior Lutheran Church.
Judy thrived when mothering, grand-mothering, quilting, sewing and knitting cherished blankets and clothes, planting flowers in her beautiful gardens, attending musical, sporting, and theatrical events of her children and grandchildren, and engaging with her Norwegian heritage with trips to Norway. Her culinary skills were savored by family and friends alike. She really enjoyed her luncheon and book clubs in Manitowoc, as well as her stitching club in Naples.
Judy's life was devoted to her loving family and nourishing her relationship with her Savior Jesus. She had a strong faith that her salvation came by Grace along through Christ Jesus, as promised in Holy Scripture, and the certainty of Heaven as written in Romans 8:38-39.
Judy is survived by Terry, her beloved husband of over 57 years; daughter, Barbara (Brian Paul) Gueldner, and grandson Sidney; son, Matthew, grandchildren Nicholas and Alexa, and their mother, Julie Swenson; son, Daniel (Brandi) and granddaughter, Charlie; daughter, Julie (David) Bolha and grandchildren, Joshua, Isla, and Luka; sister-in-law, Liane Hevey; niece, Lisa (Bruce) Drummond and their children, Benjamin and Grace; niece-in-law, Leah Hevey and children Aedan, Dyvan, and Ella; niece, Elizabeth (Daniel) Lauer and son Jaden Becsenesco; and cherished cousins and friends.
Judy was preceded in death by her parents, parents-in-law, brother, Jerome Fostvedt, brother-in-law, Gregory Gueldner, nephew, David Hevey, and cherished grandparents, aunts and uncles, and cousins.
A Christian funeral service will be held at Immanuel Ev. Lutheran Church, 916 Pine Street, Manitowoc, WI 54220 on Friday, March 13, 2026 at 11 a.m. and officiated by Pastor Matthew Zimpelmann. The family will greet relatives and friends at Immanuel Ev. Lutheran Church on Friday, March 13, 2026 from 9:30 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. A committal service will be held on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at 11 a.m. at St. Paul's Lutheran Cemetery, 1403 Topel Street, Lake Mills, WI 53551 with Pastor Douglas Tomhave officiating. Online condolences may be sent to the family
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to Immanuel Endowment Fund, Wisconsin Lutheran College, or Our Savior Lutheran Church in Naples, Florida.
The family extends their deepest appreciation to Dr. Mark Herring and all the nurses, physicians, and support staff who provided thoughtful, compassionate, and prayerful care along her journey.
The Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home and Crematory, 628 North Water Street, Manitowoc, WI 54220 is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.
Immanuel Ev. Lutheran Church
9:30 - 10:45 am
Immanuel Ev. Lutheran Church
Starts at 11:00 am
Immanuel Ev. Lutheran Church
Starts at 12:00 pm
St. Paul’s Lutheran Cemetery
Starts at 11:00 am
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