Judith “Judy” Marie (Endries) Hernke, age 93, of De Pere, passed away peacefully on Monday, October 5th, 2026 while holding her son David’s hand. She did not want to be alone when she went to heaven. She spent her last days at the Jack & Engrid Meng Unity Hospice in De Pere.

Judy was born on August 7, 1933 in Manitowoc, daughter of the late Marie Endries. She was a graduate of Brillion High School, class of 1951. On December 26, 1955, Judy married the love of her life, Ronald J. Hernke. He saw her dancing while playing his trumpet in his band at Van Abels in Hollandtown and they fell in love. He preceded her in death on May 31, 2019. Judy started her working career at “ Ma Bell” in Appleton, had part time jobs at Prange Way and Metpath Laboratories over the years. Most of her life was spent raising her five children which she considered her most important job, and later was so very proud of all her grandchildren! Judy loved everything social! She was an accomplished bowler, making it to the Masters Tournament, a member of the Wisconsin Campers Association and member of a Gourmet Cooking Club. She always found ways to connect with people. Playing cards, particularly Hand and Foot, was one of her favorite things to do. Oh the friends she made! She had lots of spunk! Made people laugh! She and Ron went on trips in the Motor home across the country, to Alaska, and lived in both Naples and Avon Park, Florida to escape the cold Wisconsin winters. Their summers were spent in Door County. After Ron died, she lived with her son David, for a time in Sussex, before returning to De Pere. Judy liked a good Brandy Manhattan, lots of chocolate, and Door County wine! Most of all, she loved her family and looked forward to getting together every chance she could.

Judy is survived by her five children: Karen (special friend, Dennis) Kolb of Avon Park, FL, Lori (fiance’ Mike Rothering) Hernke of De Pere, Susan (Mike) Johnson of Prospect Heights, IL, David (Jan) Hernke of Sussex, and Nancy (Roger) Schisel of Loganville, GA; grandchildren: Alyssa Kolb, Andrew (Meghan) Kolb, Zachary (special friend, Adrian) Rothering, Corey (fiance’ Jo) Rothering, Julia Johnson, Ian (special friend, Megan) Johnson, Michael Hernke, Matthew (Dinita) Hernke, Michelle Chastain, Heather Chastain, Ryan Hernke, Aaron (Kayla) Hernke, and Nicole Hernke; great-grandchildren: Noah and Ruby Hernke; one brother and sister-in-law: Robert “Bob” and Patricia “Pat” Endries of Brillion; nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her mom, Marie; her husband, Ronald; her brothers and sisters-in-law: Don (Estelle) Endries, Ray (Doris) Endries, Betty (Harvey) Winter; father-in-law and mother-in-law: George & Viola (Hintz) Hernke; and other relatives.

A Funeral Mass will take place at 3:00 p.m. on Monday, October 12, 2026 at Holy Family Catholic Church in Brillion. Officiating at the Mass of Christian Burial will be Rev. Matt Colle and Deacon Greg Van Thiel. Cremation has taken place and the inurnment of her remains will be at Allouez Catholic Mausoleum at a later date.

The family will greet relatives and friends at the church on Monday afternoon from 1:00 p.m. until 2:45 p.m.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at the Unity Hospice Center for their care and compassion.

Online condolences may be made www.pielhop.com

The Hernke Family has chosen Pielhop Funeral Homes and Cremation Care Centers to honor Judy’s Legacy of Life.