Judith Held

Judith "Judi" Ann Held, lifelong resident of South Milwaukee, passed away September 6. 2021 at 67 years young. Judi is preceded in death by her mother, Edith Welbes Held, brother James Anthony, aunts Elizabeth "Betty" and husband Robert "Bob" Ohm, Jr., Carol Perkins; uncles John Janette and Conrad Held and aunt Claudia, cousins Cheryl Held, Mark and Mary Janette. LeeAnne Kruschke and Maria Elizabeth "Maribeth" Ohm. Judi is survived by her aunt Lorraine Janette, cousins Christopher (Linda), Thomas and Matthew (Janet) Ohm; Curtis Held, Carlene (Darius) Palia, Christine Bigham, Karla Alphin, Alexander and Joseph Janette and sister-in-law Sharon Blattner Held. Judi also leaves behind many former good neighbors, coworkers and friends. Judi attended St. John's, now Divine Mercy, grade school; South Milwaukee High School and earned her advanced degree at Michael Reese Hospital School of Nursing, Chicago. While in Chicago, she performed CPR on a stranger who in gratitude bestowed a monetary gift which Judi in turn donated to Michael Reese. She spent her nearly 30-year nursing career at Aurora St. Luke's Medical Center, Milwaukee, in various positions including surgical nursing in the innovative cardiology department. Judi spent most of her life living with her mother in their South Milwaukee childhood home and took care of her mom. She loved to decorate and serve delicious meals to family during the holidays. She was incredibly talented in the needle arts and created complex pieces of hardanger, blackwork, and fine Berlin work embroidery. Judi won many ribbons at the Wisconsin State Fair for her embroidery as well as floral arrangements. She gave many of these pieces as gifts. Judi was also talented in cake decorating and made several wedding cakes. She was a voracious reader and loved books on the decorative arts and antiquities. She was fortunate to see museum shows of Ancient Egypt and the Dead Sea Scrolls. Judi travelled broadly throughout the US, Spain, Aruba and Ireland and enjoyed incorporating what she saw into her needlework. She was a rabid fan of NASCAR and was Jeff Gordon's biggest fan. Judi discerned her faith and converted to Judaism. She was part of the Jewish community in Milwaukee and remained true to her faith throughout her life. May God comfort her family and friends among the other mourners of Zion and Jerusalem. Burial and a Remembrance Service will be at Sacred Hearts Cemetery, Sun Prairie at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations and tributes can be made in Judi's name to the South Milwaukee Human Concerns. The family greatly appreciates your love, kindness and prayers.