Judith Joanne Spear

Judith, "Judy", Joanne Spear of Wausau, died on January 4, 2025, in University Hospital, Madison after being transferred there from Aspirus hospital on January 1st. She was born July 31, 1960, to William "Bill" and Joanne "Golz" Lewitzke. Judy was a graduate of Wausau East High School in 1978. 

While in school, Judy was skilled at and enjoyed playing basketball, volleyball, and played coronet in the Wausau East pep band and marching band. She continued to play on adult volleyball and softball teams, making many friends along the way. She married Joseph "Joe" Gaulke on October 17, 1981. Together they had two beautiful children, Jodie and Bryan. She loved being involved with Jodie's love for horses and her participation with Badger 4H club; as well as watching Bryan and his teams play hockey, football and baseball. Her love ran so deep that most of her spare time was spent committed and volunteering to those activities.

A hard worker, Judy had several jobs throughout her life, with the most notable being the Attendance Secretary at John Muir Middle School for many years. She genuinely enjoyed interacting with the students, coaching the girls' basketball teams, and teaching summer school. The friendships she developed throughout those years were some of her most cherished. 

Judy's favorite places to visit included the forests of Northern WI, Lake Superior, the Willow Flowage and the Rainbow Flowage; hiking and spending time with her Springer Spaniel, Lucy. Fishing and boating were especially enjoyed while at the Lewitzke family trailer near the Rainbow Flowage. Hunting deer with her dad, sister, niece, nephews, cousins and uncles was at the top of her favorites list. She appreciated everything about nature; making sure even the birds had food during the winter. She was an avid sports fan and could always be found dressed up for the Packers, Badgers or Brewers. 

Judy married Mark Spear of Wausau in Bayfield, WI, on her 55th birthday, July 31, 2015. They were married on a golf course, which was fitting for their shared love of golf. 

Judy was baptized, confirmed, and married at St. Stephen's Church in Wausau where she remained a member. She was happy to participate in the church choir, women's bible study, and helping with funeral luncheons. 

Survivors include her husband, Mark Spear, son Bryan (Vicky) Gaulke, grandson Henrik Gaulke, stepsons Andrew and Daniel Spear, mother Joanne Lewitzke, sisters Julie (Earl "Butch") Taylor, and Jackie Dehnel, many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins. 

She is preceded in death by her beloved daughter, Jodie Anna Gaulke, and her father, William "Bill" Lewitzke. 

Judy will be forever remembered for her humor, her love of jokes, her cherished friendships and love of life. She will be greatly missed.

A visitation for Judy will be held on Tuesday, January 14 at St. Stephen Lutheran Church, 512 McClellan Street from 11 am until the time of the funeral service at 1 pm.

The family wishes to express their sincere appreciation to the staffs of Aspirus Hospital, Aspirus Wausau Family Medicine, GI Center, Palliative Care & Hospice Services of Aspirus, and the University Hospital of Madison for their kind and compassionate care given to Judy. 

Brainard Funeral Home-Wausau is assisting Judy's family