“Wishing her well in retirement is easy, but saying goodbye is not.” — Dana Dillenburg
It was a week filled with stories, laughter, hugs and tears. On Friday, Park and Recreation Director Judy Judd retired from a position she held for 31 years.
Judd commented, “It has been a privilege to work for the city of Shawano. It is a wonderful group of devoted employees. Not only is this team dedicated to serving the public, they are a ‘family.’ Together they celebrate the joys and find strength in each other when the going gets rough.
“I will miss the people — my work family, the senior swimmers who are such a delight and the patrons of the Rec Center. I remember many of them as youngsters taking swimming lessons and now they are bringing their children. We have shared quite a journey.”
During the time she served as parks director, 13 parks were developed or expanded, including Don Martzke Sports Park, Eberlein Park, Sturgeon Park, Spirit of Shawano, Feivor Park, Huckleberry Harbor and Kuckuk. Woodlawn Cemetery has also become the responsibility of the department.
I asked Judy’s staff if any of them wanted to comment for this article. The responses came quickly!
Activity Coordinator Dana Dillenburg said, “Working for Judy for the past 17 years has been such a blessing. Her guidance and encouragement have meant the world to me. She is not just my boss, she is my dear friend.”
Parks and Facilities Operations Manager Tom Stefl couldn’t agree more. “She has always gone the extra mile for the residents and for the department,” he said. “I’ve never had a boss more dedicated to her job, and I want to thank Judy for making my job a joy. I hope she enjoys her retirement, she earned it”
Pool Manager Dave Kolitsch said, “Judy has always been there for me both as my boss and as a friend. It’s a special person who can combine those two qualities into one. I will truly miss her.”
Mark Dillenburg, park maintenance, commented, “I’ve known Judy for 30 years and have worked for her for the better part of 15 years. I have found she is much more than a boss, she is also a friend. If any of us ever needed to talk about anything, she would be there to listen. For that, I will always be grateful.”
Park mechanic Joe Schroeder remarked, “Judy has candid insights into problems that arise from day to day. She was caring and considerate and I wish her the very best in retirement.”
It’s not just the staff who will miss Judy. I wish I had the space to share the many comments I have received from residents, staff, commissioners and elected officials when they learned of her retirement. Here are just a few:
Matty Mathison commented, “Whenever I needed help with projects, ‘We can do that for you’ was her typical response. Whether it was volleyball camps, Shawano Pathway projects, chem-free parties or assisting with grants, Judy was willing and eager to help.
“With limited budget and facilities, Judy and her staff have provided wonderful services for this community. Like any other business, there are plenty of complaints that often are directed to the wrong person. I have, on many occasions, witnessed Judy ‘taking the fall,’ biting her tongue and, in some cases, apologizing rather than passing the buck. This behavior, to me, is a sign of a true professional.”
Chuck Dallas has been working out at the rec center for more than 25 years. He remarked, “When I started, the exercise area was about as big as an ice shanty and there were no racquetball courts. Judy’s leadership has expanded the offerings to the citizens of Shawano and people love the atmosphere at the Rec Center. It’s like a family: fun people who like to laugh and have a good time, and Judy was the ring leader. I will miss her presence, but I wish her the best in her retirement.”
Commissioner and council president Woody Davis said, “Judy was a great leader and mentor for her staff. She has wonderful communications skills and she truly enjoyed working with the public.”
The city of Shawano and Park and Recreation Commission are honoring Judd by re-naming the Lieg Avenue boat landing Judd Park & Boat Landing. In the spring, look for the sign designed and made by park staff.
On a personal note, I learned much from Judy over the years. Compassion and empathy for others are a part of her persona. Gone is a dedicated employee, but the friend remains.
The trivia answer is Heinz Steinborn, manager of the Alpine Bavarian Inn during 1976; his wife, Patricia, was the president.
This week’s question is: Who was the manager of the Red Owl store in 1976?
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