Judy Gremel
Judith Ann (Wien) Gremel, 79, Tipton, passed away immersed in the sound of hymns and surrounded by her family on Tuesday, February 23, 2022.
Judy was born April 19, 1942 to Ruth (Basey) Wien and Kermit Wien in Lafayette. She was baptized in her faith as a baby and later confirmed her faith at St. James Lutheran Church in Lafayette.
Judy attended Concordia River Forest Teacher’s College in Chicago, Illinois where she met Kurt Gremel, who saw her and thought she was the most beautiful girl he’d ever seen. On June 27, 1965, Kurt and Judy united as one and began their adventure. Kurt and Judy started life together in Cincinnati, Ohio where Judy worked as an elementary Lutheran school teacher. From there, life with Kurt took Judy and the family to several different cities, including Midland, Michigan, Decatur, Illinois, and Fort Wayne, Indiana. She made many friends along the way whom she continued to travel to visit until recent years. In 1979, they moved to Tipton, Indiana where she and Kurt settled in to raise their four children.
Judy’s faith was the cornerstone of her life. She served as a devoted Pastor’s wife and participated in many church activities through the years: Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, Dorcas Circle, Alter Guild, Choir, playing bells, and attending Pastor’s wives’ retreats. She treasured the many friends she made on her faith journey. Judy also loved to teach and spent many years in the Tipton Community School systems as a substitute teacher.
Judy and Kurt were blessed with four children who provided them with 16 grandchildren that were the apple of her eye. Judy wouldn’t miss her grandkids’ activities – theatre, sports – whether a Blue Devil, Husky, Raider, Golden Eagle, Cougar, or Miller – she attended them all in the school’s spirit wear and with her nails done to match. An avid Purdue fan, Judy didn’t hesitate to get into IU gear to support her grandson on the IU Football field. Judy’s competitive spirit also came alive on the golf course, whether with the Tipton Women’s League or traveling to play with friends in Florida and Tennessee. On the quieter side, her love of quilting and sewing produced the most impeccable quilts that are treasured by her family to this day. She loved a good devotion or mystery novel. Judy was never lost for words and her love of being with people included playing cards and spending time with family and friends.
Survivors include her husband, Kurt Gremel of Tipton; children, Stephanie (Mike) Moses of Tipton, Kent (Bethany) Gremel of Atlanta, Heather (Bobby) Delagrange of Carmel, and Shane (Keta) Gremel of Tipton; grandchildren, Natalie, Aidan, and Meghan Moses, Hailey (David) Branham, Grant, Isaac, and Eisley Gremel, Zach and Sydney Delagrange, Addison, Kurt, and Reese Gremel, and Olivia, Landon, and Owen Spidel.
Judy is also survived by her mother, Ruth Wien, sisters, Marcia Williams of Daytona Beach and Melodi Mowery of Washington, Indiana; brothers, Mike Wien of Port Orange, Florida, Steve Wien of Lafayette, Kevin Wien of Lafayette, along with several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her father, Kermit Wien, one son and one grandchild, Bryna Lynne Gremel.
Funeral services for Judy will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, February 28 at Emanuel Lutheran Church in Tipton. Burial will be in Fairview Cemetery. Visitation is from 4:00-7:00 p.m. on Sunday at Young-Nichols Funeral Home.
Memorial donations in Judy’s honor may be made to ABC & Me Childcare through Young-Nichols Funeral Home, 216 W. Jefferson Street, Tipton, Indiana, 46072.
Shane and the Gremel family,
Reading the expressions of this dear lady’s wonderful life and the impact she made on all she touched is motivating to follow Judy’s faith in the Lord. While I didn’t know Judy personally I know her son Shane through our work together at IMMI. Shane is a rock solid person who has obviously allowed his mother’s influence to be carried on through his own values and actions. Our deepest sympathies to your family in this separation from Judy until heaven rejoins you.
We are so sorry for your loss. Judy and Kurt were such a big part of my childhood. Your house was the hang out spot and Judy always had the best snacks and kind words for us. Judy was a big part of the village that helped raise us. Our prayers are with you and the entire Gremel family,
Keith and I will always remember the good times we had while your dad and mom were in Decatur and all the old friend weekends we tried to continue throughout the years. May God bring you comfort and peace during this difficult time.
I got to know Judy and Pastor Gremel from their time serving at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Kokomo. I truly love them like family. Judy was fun and easy to talk to. We shared many times our love for our kids and grandchildren. The few trips we made together were high points in my memories. I know she is well and singing her praises now.
I was saddened to hear of Judy’s passing. I have many wonderful memories of fun times with Kurt and Judy in Decatur and on “Old Friends Weekends” in later years. Prayers are lifted for peace and comfort for your family in the coming days.
Many Blessings-
Dear Kurt and Family,
We were so saddened to hear the news of our dear friend, Judy passing. We remember and treasure our good times together in Decatur and more recently our fun reunions over the years. You are all in our prayers as you grieve your loss. May faith in Christ give you strength and may the prayers of many give you comfort.
I remember Judy from when I worked at school and we golfed together on the Tipton Women”s Golf League. We had lots of laughs over our golfing skills.
We also had a connection thru quilting as she was always willing to help me learn more and improve my sewing skills.
I’m saddened for your family’s temporary loss but thankful you have many beautiful memories.In the arms of Jesus…. No more suffering and no more pain
Jim and I are so sorry to hear of Judy’s passing. We have many wonderful memories of Judy. The Gremel family will always have a special place in our hearts. Sending prayers and love to the family.
To all the Gremel children and families
Your mother left behind a legacy of beautiful and talanted family. She was blessed. A great woman and Pastors wife. That is a tough job. They were there for me a few years ago following my accident. Your heart will always be proud.
Judy Gremel touched so many lives during her time walking with God and serving him well. Her remarkable smile and caring words to many made such a difference in so many lives. We don’t know why the good suffer, but do know that God is always with us even though we sometimes feel forsaken. Bless all Judy’s family and may God Protect You and Yours.
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Jeff and Connie Neff first give our thanks for the warm welcome we received from Kurt and Judy when moving back to Tipton, and visiting with them at my mom and dad’s back in the day. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Judy’s family.
My sincerest condolences to the whole Gremel family. May God comfort you during this time.