Judith Cloutier Obituary

Judith "Judy" Lorraine (Endrizzi) Cloutier, of Colgate, Wisconsin, passed away at home on Sunday, September 6, 2026, after several years of health challenges. Born on October 31, 1944, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Judy was the daughter of Dorothy Mildred (Leetch) Hamman and Victor J. Endrizzi.

Judy was preceded in death by her beloved daughter, Wendy Jule Cloutier, and her brother, Gerald Donald Endrizzi.

She is survived by her devoted husband, Lee; her daughters, Chris and Cheryl; her grandchildren, Russell Patrick Bahr, Kayla Renee Cloutier-Christian, Ashley Marie Hildebran, and Ethan Julius Hildebran; and her cherished great-grandson, Julius David Bahr.

Despite a difficult childhood, she chose to create a very different life for her own family, one filled with love, laughter, adventure, and cherished memories. Her strength, resilience, and determination became defining characteristics throughout her life. Those who knew Judy knew she was outspoken, honest, and strong-willed. She stood firm in her convictions, and beneath her toughness was a deeply caring woman whose greatest joy came from her family.

On April 20, 1963, Judy married the love of her life and best friend, Julius "Lee" Cloutier, at Emmaus Evangelical Lutheran Church in Milwaukee. Together for 70 years, Lee and Judy shared a remarkable bond built on unwavering love, friendship, and devotion. Through every joy and hardship, they remained side by side.

Together they raised three daughters: Christine "Chris" Judith Cloutier, Cheryl Lorraine (Cloutier) Hildebran (RJ), and Wendy Jule Cloutier. While her own childhood may have lacked a sense of warmth and happiness, Judy made it her mission to ensure her daughters experienced both. Family camping trips and weekends up north, and outings she lead as a Girl Scout leader became treasured traditions and memories. She invested her time and energy into helping her daughters grow, succeed, and have fun. Her and Lee's home, backyard, and swimming pool were gathering places where children and friends were always welcome. Judy also had a lifelong love of cats. Rarely without a feline companion, she shared her home with one, and often more than one, beloved cat throughout her life. The comfort, companionship, and joy they brought her were among life's simple pleasures.

Judy was a nine-year cancer survivor and faced every challenge with grit and determination. In her later years, she battled COPD and kidney failure, illnesses that, gradually limited her ability to leave home. Throughout those difficult years, Lee faithfully cared for her with extraordinary love and devotion, along with their daughter, Cheryl. Even when struggling, Judy fought fiercely to remain with the people she loved and refused to let her illness define her.

Judy's legacy is one of perseverance, courage, and unconditional love. She took what little she was given in life and transformed it into a lifetime of happy memories for her children and grandchildren. The love she shared and abundance of laughter she brought will continue to live on in the hearts of those she leaves behind.

Though her family mourns her loss, they are grateful for the strength she taught them, the love she shared, and the example she set by fighting for every moment she could spend with those she cherished. She will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever carried in their hearts.

A visitation will be held at Schmidt & Bartelt Funeral Home in Sussex, Wisconsin, on September 19, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m., followed by a memorial service and luncheon.

Visitation Saturday, September 19, 2026 10:00 AM - Noon Schmidt & Bartelt Sussex, W250 N6505 Hwy 164 Sussex, WI 53089 Phone: (262) 246-4774.