Judy entered this world on April 18, 1944, at the Lutheran Hospital in Beatrice, NE. She was quickly swooped up by God’s loving hands from her farm home outside of Diller, NE on October 7, 2020. Mom is survived by her daughters, Lynette Berry (Don) of Lincoln, NE, Lisa Schotte (David) of Hanover, KS, and Leann Schrotberger (Cody) of Imperial, NE. She was a proud and supportive Grandma to ten Grandchildren: Jordyn Phipps (Brett), Taylor Neer (David), Zachary Berry, Elissa Davis (Jimmy), Preston Schotte (Sarah), Kaydence Schotte, Shaylee Schotte, Mikaela O’Brien (Christian), Devin O’Brien and Sammy Schrotberger. She enjoyed the extra bonus of 12 Great Grandchildren: Kaisley, Kendall, Grady, Emerson, Braydin, Jayce, Cason, Layla, Raygen, Payton, Graham and Eloise. She is survived by her sister, Carol Wilson and brother, Duane (Marsha) Zulauf, along with her nieces, nephews and a host of family and friends.

The loved ones that helped guide Judy to Heaven; Husband, Alfred; her Mom and Dad, Margaret and Erwin Zulauf; her Brother-in-law, Dennis; her Mother and Father-in-law, Martha and Emil DeBoer; brother-in-law, Gilbert; and her best friend Angie. She missed them all deeply but losing Angie later in life impacted her greatly. She would have liked more than 25 years with Dad but that wasn’t part of the greater plan. She found her independent side and made us girls very proud of her strength and determination to take life on after Dad was gone.

She was baptized on May 14th, 1944, at St Paul’s Evangelical Church in Plymouth, NE. She was confirmed in her Christian faith on June 22, 1958, by Pastor Voss at Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church at Beatrice, NE. Judy’s confirmation text read “Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.” (King James Bible, Revelation 3:11) She was an active longtime member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Diller, NE after marrying and moving to Diller. She taught bible school and helped with various groups within the church. Her faith in God was simple and strong. She believed in grace and forgiveness for everyone. She graduated from Beatrice Senior High School with the Class of 1962.

Judy married Alfred DeBoer on October 18, 1964, at Christ’s Evangelical Church in Beatrice, NE. They started their family on a small farmstead north of Diller. She was told it was a modern house and ready for a family. Indoor plumbing had yet to be installed, but when first daughter Lynette was to arrive, so did indoor plumbing. Shortly after, came Lisa, daughter number 2 and Leann, daughter number 3, this was their home until 1976. The DeBoer’s then ventured South of Diller where they built their new home. The house was located just West of Grandma DeBoer’s house. Living next to your Mother-in-Law could present some challenges, but it also made for some great family adventures and memories. Judy was a blessing to Grandma DeBoer later in life, where together they grew a strong relationship. She helped Grandma DeBoer and kept her company which allowed Martha to stay on the family farm. A few weeks ago, a purple petunia started to grow on mom’s porch planter and we laughed and joked it was a sign from Martha.

Judy always wanted the girls to have their best lives possible, from going to a Def Leppard concert with Lisa, to being first in line at the Husker National Championship celebration with Lynette and Leann. As a family we took vacations and adventures to the Steele City pasture with Bob and Angie Weers and their sons, our “Brothers”, Brian and Darin. The Weers family continued to have us be part of their family celebrations long after our Dad was gone.

Her cheerful attitude and bright smile will be missed at the Diller grade school where she worked as a para from 1991, to her retirement in 2010. She continued to volunteer at the school until 2019. Patty Heable said it beautifully “There will never be a beginning to a school year in kindergarten that I will not think of our friend Judy. Tuesdays with Judy were definitely something we all looked forward to and the light she brought with her will be missed. The children's lives she touched over the years I wouldn't be able to count.” She spent her years prior working as Alfred’s partner on the farm and taking care of and supporting the kids.

Judy enjoyed spending time with her sister Carol and brother-in-law Dennis. They would go out weekly and enjoy a good meal and a beer. Dennis was a free and ornery sole that captured her heart. Even with her memory failing he was on her mind.

Grandma Judy was her name to many within the Diller and Hanover communities. However, to her grandchildren she was their sense of security, a strong religious leader, a generous volunteer, and their number one fan in the gymnasium bleachers. She never gave up on her grandkids even during the times where they questioned their direction in life. Judy was the backbone and comfort that lead the family back on track on the days of struggle. Even as the time had passed and her memory started to fade; she greeted everyone at the door with such love that we inspire to continue to build upon.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 3:00 P.M. on Friday, October 23, 2020, at Judy’s residence with Pastor Mark Liscom officiating. Private inurnment will take place at the Prairie Home Cemetery of Diller. There will be no viewing as cremation has taken place. A register book will be available to sign at the Fox Funeral Home of Beatrice from noon until 8:00 P.M. on Thursday, October 22, 2020. A memorial has been established to the Diller Community Foundation.  www.foxfuneralhome.net Arrangements entrusted to Fox Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Beatrice.