Judith Thiessen

Judy Thiessen passed away on Friday, October 27, 2023 at the age of 66 following a two-year journey with ALS. She was surrounded by her beloved family, including her husband (Dan) and children (Sarah, David, and Greg).

Judy was active and adventurous, participating in any sport she could during high school in Pekin, IL and at Goshen College in Goshen, IN. This continued through her whole life. She and Dan enjoyed SCUBA diving in the Gulf of California when they were dating in Tucson and took a hot air balloon ride on their honeymoon in Colorado. Judy was always up for a hike or bike ride, and shared her love for camping, nature, and the outdoors with her children and grandchildren.

Judy was committed to all that she did. She served her church communities faithfully, leading worship and playing piano for over 30 years. She loved her friends deeply and unconditionally for who they were. She cared for her patients as a physical therapist, often becoming like family to them. And perhaps most importantly, she loved her family dearly. Her love for Dan, Sarah, David, and Greg was immense, and it extended to their spouses and her grandchildren.

Judy is preceded in death by her parents, Ted and Jo Sommer, and her brother Steve Sommer. She is survived by her loving husband of 40 years (Dan); children Sarah (Zeb) Holsopple, David (Kim) Thiessen, and Greg (Laura Schlabach) Thiessen; grandchildren (Micah, Zoe, Silas, Alana, and Oliver); siblings Jim (Kay) Sommer and Barbara (Jim) Wieferich; and the many friends and pets (Toby, Buddy) that she adored. Friends and family are invited to a celebration of life for Judy, to be held on December 9, 2023 at Bluestem Conservation Cemetery. Time to be determined, while a receiving of friends in the Triangle area will be held on Monday, October 30th at Trinity Avenue Presbyterian from 4:30pm to 6:00pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Judy to the Mennonite Disaster Service https://mds.org/donate-usa/ .