Judy Engebretson

Judith A. Engebretson, 76, of Crystal Lake, passed away on Monday, February 8, 2021.

She was born June 30, 1944 in La Crosse, WI, the daughter of the late Irvin and Kathryn (nee Wedeking) Labus.

Judy was known by many as a beloved wife, mother, nana, sister, friend, mentor, advocate, and teacher.

Judy grew up in West Salem, WI, where she and her brother often participated in friendly shenanigans around the family farm.  She graduated at the local high school in 1962.  Judy continued her education at Luther College in Decorah, IA, where she met John Engebretson.  They were married after her college graduation in 1966.  Judy and John made Crystal Lake their permanent home in 1972 with the arrival of daughter Jennifer.

Judy's curiosity of different cultures and lands led her travels to over 95 countries throughout her extraordinary life, and she was more than happy to share her experiences with whomever she met.  Mrs. E’s legacy will live on in the lives she touched while teaching at Palatine High School and Lundahl Junior High in Crystal Lake, IL.  Judy’s strong faith and appreciation for all religions were apparent with her involvement with numerous organizations along with being an active member of Bethany Lutheran Church.

When Judy was not teaching, traveling, or volunteering, she liked to preserve her memories in her scrapbooks (she created over 20!), play cards with her friends and family, read magazines and books from almost every genre, instill historical knowledge to her granddaughter, and enjoy a good Manhattan.

Judy is survived by her husband, John T. Engebretson; daughter, Jennifer (Gabriel) Martinez; her granddaughter, Annika Martinez; and brother, Alan Labus.

Memorial donations may be made to Bethany Lutheran Church, 76 W. Crystal Lake Ave., Crystal Lake, IL 60014.  Donations will be used locally and globally.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, June 27 from 2pm to 5pm at Bethany Lutheran Church in Crystal Lake, IL.  A service will begin at 3pm; it will be live-streamed and can be accessed by clicking here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GQWkihP3Uvg