Judith "Judy" Marie Stark (nee Zawikowski) of Madison, WI, entered into eternal rest on the evening of July 10th, 2026.

Born July 31st, 1951 at Westside Hospital in Milwaukee, WI, she was a beloved daughter of the late Frank and Adeline (Barutha) Zawikowski. Judy grew up in St Francis, WI with her big sister, Sharon & younger brother, Dennis surrounded by her many cousins. She graduated from St Francis High School and went on to earn her bachelor's degree in early childhood education from UW-Platteville where she met Linda (Olson) Boll, whose constant friendship she treasured throughout the years.

On September 27th, 1975, she married her loving husband, Daniel, & together over 50+ years they built a full life which included raising 2 grateful children, Nathan & Laura, & spoiling their 3 cherished grandsons whenever they could.

For many years Judy pursued her passion for teaching the pre-k & kindergarten 'littles.' We always joked that they were the only students she could teach, because they were the only students that were shorter than she was. Even after her retirement from Queen of Peace School, for years she continued to substitute teach there as well as volunteer at the parish center.

Ever kind & thoughtful, Judy couldn't let a family member or friend's birthday pass unnoticed without a card, a phone call, or an invitation for coffee or lunch. Always prepared well in advance with a meticulously picked out card or gift. She even took notes on the latest book before her monthly book club would meet. Even amongst her own struggles, she would make sure to 'check in' as her family & friends were always at the forefront of her mind.

Judy was preceded in death by her loving parents Frank and Adeline (Barutha) Zawikowski, her much-beloved sister & her brother-in-law Sharon & Dale Christensen, and her brother Dennis Zawikowski.

Judy is survived by her cherished husband Daniel Stark, her son Nathan (Ericka) Stark, her daughter Laura Stark, her niece Kirsten Valkner, nephew Matt (Brandi) Christensen, grandsons Johnathan, Robert, & Thomas Stark, great-nephew Weston Valkner, and great-nieces Katelyn & Kellyn Christensen.

A Catholic funeral mass will be held in celebration of what would have been Judy's 75th birthday on Friday, July 31st, 2026 at 11 am at Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish, 401 S. Owen Drive. Visitation will be held from 9:30 am until the time of the service. A reception will follow the service.

Interment will take place at Lindina Evergreen Cemetery just outside of Mauston, WI on September 12th, 2026.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that any memorial contributions be donated to the American Heart Association, American Kidney Fund, or a charity of your choosing. Please share your memories below for Judy's family.

Mom~ Your life was a blessing, & your

memory will be treasured. You are loved

beyond words, & missed beyond measure.

Cress Funeral & Cremation Services

3610 Speedway Rd   Madison

608-238-3434