Judith Arlene Dufrane, a long time Rhinelander resident, passed away peacefully January 22, 2025, at Allouez Parkside Village in Green Bay, WI.
Judy was born June 12, 1942 in Waukesha, WI to Robert and Vienna (Kuismi) Stark. Vienna unexpectedly passed from tuberculosis in 1943 and Robert returned home to Ramsay, Michigan. There he met and married Elizabeth Veda who lovingly raised Judy, her older brother Gary, and younger sister Sharon.
After high school, Judy moved to Milwaukee with her best friends to begin her adult life. There she met the love of her life Louis Dufrane. They were married June 29, 1963, and while living in Milwaukee, had their first born, Charles. In 1965 they moved to Rhinelander and later were blessed with daughters Cheryl and Michele. Sadly, in 1970 Charlie was tragically taken when struck by a car after getting off the school bus. Despite the heartbreak, Judy pressed on caring for her family and welcomed another daughter, Nicole. She went on to earn her associate degree in accounting from Nicolet College.
In retirement, Judy and Louie became snow-birds. They enjoyed traveling together with their dog Bailey in their fifth wheel, until Louie passed away unexpectedly in 2003, leaving a void in her heart. Judy, being a true Finn displaying SISU, continued to pull that camper south for several years with a girlfriend as her co-pilot. She eventually gave up traveling and settled back in Rhinelander year round. There she enjoyed visits with her grandchildren and rides on the pontoon boat. Judy was not one to quit or give up, no matter what life threw at her. A decline in her health brought her to reside in Green Bay.
She loved her family, music, crossword puzzles, cribbage, ice cream and the Green Bay Packers.
Judy is survived by her daughters Cheryl Glaeser, Michele (Jeff) Antonuk, and Nicole (Mark) Wafle; her grandchildren Emily and Erik Glaeser, Jack and Charlie Antonuk, Vienna and Dayne Wafle. Siblings-in-law Keith Dufrane, Dennis (Linda) Dufrane and Wendy (John) Ikola. Also surviving are nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
In addition to her parents, husband and son, she is preceded in death by her brother Gary Stark, sister Sharon Miskovich, son-in-law Mark Glaeser and granddaughter Nina Mari Antonuk.
The Dufrane family wishes to thank the memory care staff at Alllouez Parkside Village for their care over the last six years and Moments Hospice for the additional care and support this past year.
Per Judy’s wishes, a private family service will be held.
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