Obituary of Judith R. Beckenbaugh

Judy Beckenbaugh (Martinelli), 79, of Kenosha Wisconsin passed away peacefully in her sleep on August 14, 2019. 

Judy was born September 6, 1939 in Chicago, IL to Kathryn Latham and Clarence Katzke.  She married Bill Beckenbaugh in 1998 at Memorial United Methodist Church in Zion, IL. Previously she was married to Joe Martinelli for 27 years and they raised four children in Winthrop Harbor, IL. The family attended Our Lady of Humility Parish and School.  Judy was active in supporting her children in their school activities and in service for the church. Following her second marriage, she was a member of North Prairie United Methodist Women’s Choir in Winthrop Harbor and attended the Kenosha Senior Citizen Center. 

Judy was a registered nurse and worked at several nursing homes in the area, including Rolling Hills Manor in Zion and the Terrace Nursing Home in Waukegan, IL serving as the Director of Nursing.  She enjoyed interacting with and serving the residents. Prior to retiring from nursing in 2005, Judy worked for Vista Medical Center East in Waukegan for 19 years. In her personal time, she loved crafting, sewing, quilting and investigating her family’s genealogy.  

Judy is survived by her children, Mike (Rosie) Martinelli, Bob (Diane) Martinelli, Theresa (Brad) Liedkte, and Kathy Martinelli; grandchildren Kati (Buddy) Hargett, Kyle (Rieanna) Martinelli, Michaela and Sophia Martinelli, Melina and Brice Liedtke, Emily and Travis Pichelmann; and great grandchildren Elliana and Madelyn Hargett, and Mason, Sienna, Breckett, and Fynlee Martinelli.  

Judy is preceded in death by her parents, her husbands - Joe Martinelli and Bill Beckenbaugh - and her sister Jeri Hennessey.  

A memorial service will be held on Saturday August 31st at CrossWay Community Church, 13905 75th St., Bristol, WI.  Visitation will begin at 1:00 pm, service at 1:30 pm, and a light lunch will follow.