Published on March 6, 2026 4:11 pm
Last Updated on March 6, 2026 4:11 pm
Judith A. “Judy” Willenborg, 89, of Effingham, IL, passed away on Thursday, March 5, 2026 at Willowbrook in Effingham, IL.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, March 13, 2026 at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Effingham. Burial will be in St. Anthony Cemetery in Effingham. Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Friday, March 13, 2026 at Johnson Funeral Home in Effingham. Memorials may be made to SAMBA, St. Anthony Music Boosters Association. Online condolences may be shared at www.johnsonandsonsfh.com.
Judy was born on June 3, 1936 in Altamont, IL, the daughter of Fred and Clara (Harmon) Hasemeier. She married Leonard C. Willenborg on April 7, 1956 at St. Cecilia Church in St. Louis, MO, and he preceded her in death on July 12, 2019.
Judy was a member of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church and the C.D. of A. She also sang in the St. Anthony Adult Choir for over 60 years. She also co-founded the funeral choir with Joyce Kabbes. Judy was an accomplished pianist and vocalist, singing for many weddings. She also shared her talents by teaching piano in the area. She was a co-founder of Fine Arts County of Effingham (FACE), serving on the board of directors for many years and was involved in numerous theater productions. Judy worked alongside her husband for a petroleum delivery service. Together they enjoyed gardening and were known for their garden. She was a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, and enjoyed spending time with her family. Judy enjoyed being involved in her children’s lives, even stepping up as a boy scout leader when they were young. Many memories were also made around great family dinners.
Judy is survived by her sons, Keith (Pat) Willenborg and Ron (Kim) Willenborg, both of Effingham; daughter, Sandy (Paul) Evans of O’Fallon, IL; special niece, Susan (Evan) Dunlap of Effingham;
grandchildren, Nick Willenborg, Rachel (Sam) Smith, Megan Willenborg, Andrew (Amber) Willenborg, Loryn Evans, Erin Evans, and Bryce (Shania) Evans; great-grandchildren, Elizabeth Willenborg, Bryar Smith; Milo Willenborg, and Ruby Willenborg; sisters-in-law, Mary Ann Swingler of Sigel, and Sr. Luella Willenborg, SSND of St. Louis, MO.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, and brothers.
The family extends a special thank you for the exceptional care received by Lakeland Nursing Home, St. Anthony Hospital, and Willowbrook for their mother Judy.