Judy Jane Willman, age 76, of Bismarck, peacefully returned to the loving arms of our Heavenly Father on May 10, 2022, while enjoying her second home in Mesa, AZ.
Born in 1946, Judy grew up on a farm outside of Hazen, ND. As a child, she enjoyed helping her family work the farm and spoke fondly of her childhood memories. As many North Dakotans of that time, Judy grew up speaking German and learned English when she started school.
Judy graduated from Hazen High School in 1964 and moved to Bismarck where she thrived on her own. She can be remembered driving around town in her red 1966 Barracuda. Always the go-getter, she worked for the North Dakota State Fire Marshal when she met and married Jerry Willman. She later worked for the State Crime Bureau prior to starting a family.
Judy stayed home to raise her children, Justine and Jason. She lived for her family and went to every game, recital, and event, always the cheerleader. In time, Judy returned to work in the legal department at Basin Electric until her retirement in 2008. She lived part time in Arizona the last several years to be closer to her daughter and grandson.
Judy loved music. She sang, played trumpet, accordion, and piano over the years. She also loved rummaging, Vegas trips, concerts, and sipping Colorado bull dogs with her friends. She had a quick wit and found humor in all situations.
Judy was a faithful Christian and relied fully on God's word. She cherished her friends and family and always let you know you were loved and appreciated. She organized gatherings to bring people together, from her Great 8 and JJ's Friends, to the Basin Hired Mesa Retired and Basin Retirees luncheons, she was all about enjoying others and nurturing relationships. Judy truly lived a great life!
Judy was an incredible mother, grandmother, and friend to many and was loved deeply in return. Her kindness and adoration will be dearly missed.
She is survived by her daughter, Justine Willman; and grandson, Brenden Cabral of Phoenix, AZ; her niece, Annette (Tim) Schroeder of Dickinson; nephew, Bradley (Stacy) of Hazen; sister-in-law, Phyllis Zuern of Hazen; cousins: Ilene Hilz of Hazen, Sandy Neely (Harold) of Minneapolis, Oscar Schnaidt (Sharon) of California, Rose Marie Bride (Murray Rosenblum) of Oregon, Claudia Fehlman of Texas, Jake Schnaidt (Ginny) of California, and many dear friends.
She is preceded by her parents, John and Lydia Zuern; brother, Clarence Zuern; and son, Jason Jon (JJ) Willman.
A memorial service will be held at Parkview Funeral, 2330 Tyler Pkwy, Bismarck, ND 58503 on June 6, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. with burial at Bismarck Fairview Cemetery at 2929 E. Century Ave. A Celebration of Life lunch will follow at the Municipal Country Club, 930 N Griffin St, Bismarck, ND 58501.
"Well done, good and faithful servant." In lieu of flowers, it would honor Judy to do for others.
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