Harley James Judd

Harlen James Judd, 71, of the town of Winfield, passed away Saturday, September 15, 2018 at his residence. Harley was born May 14, 1947 to Everett and Emma (Nemitz) Judd in Loganville, WI. His dad passed away before Harley could even remember him, leaving he and his siblings to run the family farm. He attended Friendship School and then Webb High School. After high school he worked on several difficult construction crews in Madison and Oshkosh, quickly working his way to foreman of his own crew. On August 19, 1967 he married Jeanette Gates and the two of them embarked on a 50 year journey that anyone would be proud of, especially their children.

The next step in Harley’s life was his favorite. He worked hard enough to be able to purchase Jeanette’s parents farm in 1973, and then the dream of owning his own dairy farm began. With humble beginnings and many hurdles to cross, the two of them worked together and accomplished their dream of having a successful operating dairy. Through good times and bad, they never left each other’s side, doing whatever they had to do to make things work for them and especially for their family.

In 1992 came a huge blow when Harley had a heart attack and subsequently had to have open heart surgery. The difficult decision was made to discontinue farming. Always the rebounder, Harley had an open invitation to work for a local real estate company, where he quickly learned the ropes, and a few years after that, he started his own business Judd Realty LLC in 2004, first in Reedsburg and then had the opportunity to purchase the Burmester’s building in Loganville, his home town, which he and the local community both appreciated. He semi-retired in 2016 to retreat to what he truly was made to do and that was farming. Harley custom fed upwards of 200 head of dairy heifers on pasture from May until November. He had many spanning miles of fences which required daily upkeep and he loved every minute of it right up to his last breath on this earth. As far as Harley was concerned, there were never enough hours in the day or days in the week to get done what he wanted to accomplish. He was truly a man who lived his life on his own terms, and he left this world the same way.

Harley especially loved spending time with his grandchildren attending their baseball and football games, and wrestling matches. He very rarely would miss one. He enjoyed the annual fishing trip with the guys, and opening day of deer hunting with his boys.

Harley was preceded in death by Jeanette, his wife of 50 years; brothers Eugene (Dick) Judd, Melvin Judd and Steve Judd; sister Edna Mae Peper; parents Everett & Emma Judd.

Survivors include sons Mark (Carrie) Judd, Jamie (Karen) Judd; grandchildren: Mason, Brayden, Logan and Baylee; brothers: Leonard “Hank” (Sue) Judd, Leroy “Pop” (Gertrude) Judd, Dale “Butch” Judd;  sisters: Bernadine Weldy,  Pauline “Sally” (Wayne) Luther, Janet “Jenny” Faber and Linda (Don) Ritzenthaler.

Funeral services for Harley will take place Thursday, September 20, 2018, 11 a.m. at St. Peter Lutheran Church, Loganville. Reverend Donald Glanzer, Pastor will officiate. Visitation will be on Wednesday, September 19, 2018 from 3-7 p.m. at Farber Funeral Home in Reedsburg and at the church on Thursday from 10 a.m. until the time of service. Burial will take place at St. Peter Lutheran Cemetery following the service.

A memorial fund has been established in Harley’s name.

Farber Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

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