Judith Ann Engelman (Nitkowski), 79, Fremont, WI, passed away Sunday, September 12, 2021, due to complications following a stroke she had in July 2021. After several weeks of her persistent fight to live, Judy sadly lost her battle of life, within 1 day of arriving at Seasons Hospice Facility in Oak Creek, WI.

Judy was born on December 10, 1941, Oshkosh, WI, daughter of Theophil and Harriette (Whittington) Nitkowski. Soon after Graduating Oshkosh High School, Judy married her high school sweetheart Lee Engelman, on May 6 and spent 55 years together until his passing in 2016.

Judy and her adventurous husband, Lee, along with their daughter Kathy, spent the next 20 amazing years as entrepreneurs in the Outdoor Amusement Business, more commonly known as the “Carnival Business”. A business Lee eagerly introduced to Judy and one he knew quite well, growing up in Carnival business himself. Judy was a gold mine to Lee, with her beautiful smile, bright blue eyes, golden blonde hair, and slender figure, many of the male gender flocked to show off their talent trying to chip the plate to win a stuffed animal.

Following her Carnival years, Judy and her husband Lee’s quests turned to the Restaurant Hospitality Business. Judy along with her husband Lee originated and operated several different Restaurants over the next 40 years, primarily in the Fox Valley Area. Most notably Captain Kids Ice Cream Parlor, Pizza King, Mr. Cinder’s Charcoal Grill, The Winemaker Restaurant and Lounge, and Kodiak Jack’s Steak and Seafood. Judy’s primary involvement in the Restaurants was head “Hostess” greeting and seating ravenous patrons. Judy also joined her husband Lee, in operating “food stands” at local community events such as, Country USA, Rock USA, Saw Dust Days, and EAA. Judy’s unmatched dedication to her businesses and love for her customers and employees, created years of countless friendships which she cherished immensely.

Judy’s true joy came later in life. Nothing she cherished more, than spending time with her two precious grandchildren, Nathan and Alyssa. Judy was so delighted when watching them both excel at activities they loved. She would move mountains to attend every event, cheering them on in exuberance. Soccer, Basketball, and Football games, along with various dog show competitions soon took precedence. While the Restaurants were still important, it was quite apparent that her true “passion of love” in her life were these two sweet kids.

Judy took pleasure in all life had to offer. With her husband, beloved family, and close friends by her side, she engaged in numerous activities. Boating, Fishing, Snow Skiing, Casinos, Packer Games, Horse and Dog Racing, Water Parks, Caribbean Cruises, Florida Vacations, and Road Trips Out West filled up her schedule.

Judy’s life was also not without struggles. When Judy was 38 years old, she gave birth to her and Lee’s infant son, Eric. Eric was born 3 months premature, weighing just a pound. Little Eric sadly lived one month before passing away. Eric’s passing was an emotional struggle for Judy for many years following his death. Besides the loss of her son, Judy’s biggest battle in life was coping with Peripheral Artery Disease. Judy was plagued with this unrelenting disease. A disease, which caused her to endure countless surgical procedures over a span of 10 years until it finally took one leg, then the other, not long after the passing of her husband, leaving her disabled to a wheelchair. Judy didn’t let the loss of her legs deflate her desire to still live life to the fullest. Judy still maintained a positive outlook on life and intense inner strength which was an inspiration to many around her.

Although small in stature, at only 4 feet 11 inches tall, Judy was often stubborn and sometimes tough as nails. She loved her Bloody Mary’s, Old Fashioneds, and Bud Lights. But mostly, she was a great friend, a loving mom, and an amazing grandmother. She was an avid Catholic and religion was always an integral part of her life.

Judy will be terribly missed by those that love her. Grief will turn to peace, knowing Judy is reunited with her husband Lee and infant son Eric.

Judy is survived by her daughter Kathleen Kimmeth, Son in law Joseph Kimmeth, Grandson Nathan Wallace and Granddaughter Alyssa Kimmeth.

Judy is preceded in death by her parents Theodore and Harriette Nitkowski, Husband Lee Engelman, infant son Eric Lee Engelman, and brother David Nitkowski.

A Private Memorial Service will be held.

A “Celebration of Life” Ceremony for family and friends is planned but date has not been set.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in memory of Judy and Eric Lee Engelman to The Compassionate Friends support group. The Compassionate Friends is a group that supports and counsels families after the loss of a child.

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