Obituary for Judith Neitzel

Judith (Judy) M. Neitzel (Beck) of Winona Minnesota passed away after losing her battle with lung cancer at the age of 76 on Monday, September 28, 2020 at 2:17 p.m. in hospice care at Gundersen Health System in La Crosse Wisconsin, surrounded by family.

Judy was born to the late Florian O. and Veronica F. (Pampuch) Beck on September 17, 1944 at Winona General Hospital. She attended St. Stanislaus School before graduating from Cotter High School, Winona, MN in 1961.   She fell in love with Alvin (Tino) F. Neitzel of Fountain City Wisconsin. They were married at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church on February 17, 1962. They moved to the Neitzel family farm located on Canada Ridge where they raised their family.

Judy was very proud of her extra-large family especially of her 7 children, 8 grandchildren, and 2 great grandchildren. Additionally, she was proud to be a sister to 17 siblings, friend, cousin, sister-in-law, and an aunt to several nephews and nieces – so many precious people.

She started as a homemaker but carried a variety of jobs. One of her most notable roles was with Beck Catering – the family owned business started by her mother Verna in the 1970’s. She worked side-by-side with several family members and friends serving the Winona area over the years.

Judy was very passionate about enjoying life and having fun. In her spare time, you could find her hanging out at local places to socialize, going to the casino, reading, watching tv, and most importantly spending time with her rambunctious family. Judy had an amazing talent for finding humor and being positive in almost any situation — so important when dealing with life’s struggles. We love you mom (Judy) and know that you are home.

Judy is Survived by:

– 6 children Al Neitzel of La Crosse WI, Kim (Mike) Graham of Sparta WI , Sue (Mark) Miller of La Crescent MN, Jim (Birgit) Neitzel of Lampertheim Germany, Debbie Neitzel (Eric Bashaw) of La Crosse WI, and Vickie (Paul) Bakalars of La Crescent MN.

– 8 grandchildren: Birgitte (Grant) Kneer, Shane (Peter) Graham, Justin Neitzel, Joey Miller, Katie Bakalars, Kiersten Bakalars, Miranda Miller, and Joshua Bakalars.

– 2 great grandchildren: Logan Kneer and Emmitt Kneer

-12 [Beck] brothers and sisters, Betty (Tom) Slaby, Shirley, Sandie, Carole, Robert (Judy), Kathy (Gary) McCoy, Steve, Gary (Sandy), Terry, Tim (Amalia), David (Brian),Dan (Noel), and sister-in-law Marsha Beck and many nephew and nieces.

Preceded in death by her husband Alvin F. Neitzel, son Michael Neitzel; sister Mary Ehlenfeldt and brothers Jerome, LaVerne, LeRoy and Richard Beck.

Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, October 9th from 3 to 7:30 PM at American Legion, 302 E Sarnia St, Winona, MN 55987. Food and beverages will be served, see updates at: https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/judyneitzelbeck/

Private services and burial will be held in Fountain City at Saint Mary’s Cemetery. The family wishes to thank all those who have extended financial and emotional support for Judy during her final days.

The family would like to give a very special thank you to the staff and doctors at Gundersen Health System for their excellent care.

Memorials can be sent to Neitzel Family at 639 Pettibone Ponte Way, La Crosse WI 54601 c/o Debbie Neitzel.