Judy Nemmers
Age - 79
December 3, 2023
Judy Nemmers of Columbia, Missouri passed away at the age of 79 after a long struggle with Alzheimer's Disease. Born in La Salle, Illinois to Bill and Aurelia Perhay, Judy and her family soon moved to Peoria, Illinois where she attended the local Catholic girl's school with her sister Gerri. Judy attended college at Marquette University in Milwaukee, WI. There she not only received her Bachelors in Language Arts and a Teaching Certificate, but also found the love of her life, Charlie Nemmers. Judy and Charlie married in the fall of 1965, and have been happily married ever since. The early years of their marriage were full of raising their five children while moving 18 times throughout the country as Charlie advanced through the ranks at the Federal Highway Administration. Judy never let all those moves keep her from being involved. In every stop along the way, Judy was an active member of the local parish - oftentimes becoming a communion minister or mentor in the FCIA program that supported people in their journey to become Catholic. She also joined local ladies groups, the FHWA Wives Club, book clubs, crafting groups, bridge groups, tennis teams and more. In more recent years, her time with the Fortnightly Club at the University of Missouri, the Lake of the Ozarks Art League, and the Boone County Quilt Guild gave her much joy and several deep friendships that have spanned decades. Judy was always involved in the kids' activities. She was a room mom for countless classrooms, joined and led booster clubs for every sport from little league, cross country, football, wrestling, tennis, cheer, band, field hockey, rowing and more. She gave her talents to bake sales, class craft projects, and scouting projects, and even sewed Barbie-sized school uniforms for the St. Joseph's fund raiser a few times in the 1980s. She ran endless carpools and kept up with uniforms and gear for sports, dance, piano, and theater. When Judy made time for herself, there was usually a craft involved. Over the years she painted with oils, watercolors, and acrylics on wood. The world is covered with wooden painted Santa Clauses that she used to fill her home at the holidays and often gifted to others. Judy and Charlie's home is a showcase of her talent and enthusiasm with a brush and paints. She also was a skilled tailor, making her daughters' dresses for homecomings and proms, smocked outfits for her grandchildren, and countless intricate quilts. She had knack for needlepoint, knitting, and baking - especially Christmas cookies and treats. In her sixties she fulfilled a lifelong dream and learned to play the piano. As Charlie's career started taking him farther afield, Judy relished the chance to travel with him. Countless trips to Europe, as well as visits to Asia and Australia and a cruise through the Panama Canal filled their time, photo albums and stories. A highlight was their trip to the Holy Lands with so many Bible stories taking on new meaning and understanding. Judy always managed to find a local craft or art piece to bring home as a memory from their adventures. When Charlie retired from the Federal Highway and work took them to the University of Missouri, Judy relished making a family oasis at their vacation home at the Lake of the Ozarks. Having family there - especially grandchildren - to fish, swim, laugh, water ski, play cards, and eat meals together was a joy that filled many summers. She never seemed happier than she did sitting on the dock at the Lake, surrounded by the people she loved. Judy is survived by her husband of 58 years, Charlie Nemmers of Columbia, MO; her sister Gerri Lefton of Cincinnati, OH; and her children: Adam Nemmers and his wife Lisa of Springfield, MO; Bart Nemmers and his wife Elizabeth of Melbourne, Australia; Cecilia Lillegard and her husband Greg of Menomenee Falls, WI, Dianne Hergenrother and her husband Paul of Champaign, IL, and Emily Mantooth and her husband Kevin of Dallas, TX, as well as 11 grandchildren their spouses and 1 great grandchild. They will miss her deep generosity, wry sense of humor, steadfast encouragement for all their endeavors, and boundless love of family. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at The St. Thomas More Newman Center Parish at 602 Turner Ave. in Columbia on Wednesday, December 6 at 9:30 AM. The family requests that in lieu of flowers donations be made to Fr. Tolton High School in Columbia, MO. Arrangements are under the direction of Parker-Millard Funeral Service & Crematory, 12 East Ash Street, Columbia, MO 65203 (573) 449-4153. Condolences may be left online for the family at www. parkermillard. com.Show more
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