Judith Ann “Judy” Pittenger

Judith Ann “Judy” Pittenger was born on December 7, 1945, on Pearl Harbor Day, in Taylorville, Illinois, to Dorothy and Rayford Hurtte. On February 25, 2026, surrounded by her children, grandchildren, and sister, Judy passed peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of devotion, resilience, and unwavering love for her family.

Judy was the heart of her family. She shared a lifelong love with her husband, Daniel Ivan Pittenger, and together they built a home grounded in loyalty, sacrifice, and deep connection. Family was everything to Judy; her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were her greatest joy and proudest accomplishment.

A nurse by calling and profession, Judy dedicated her life to caring for others. She worked as a labor and delivery nurse at Lake Forest Hospital and later at Waukesha Memorial Hospital, helping welcome countless babies into the world. On her days off, she often stepped in as a school nurse when needed, never hesitating to help wherever she was called. Nursing was not just her career; it was who she was.

Judy was strong in every sense of the word. She survived cancer twice, and after suffering a broken femur and being told she would never walk again, she beat those odds. She met every challenge with determination, grace, and an unshakable will to keep living fully. Judy deeply believed in finding the silver lining and made a point of enjoying life, no matter the circumstances.

Judy loved traveling and saving money and was especially known for her passion for extreme couponing, proudly donning the license plate “COUPONS.” She was always ready to share her stories, tips, and strategies for saving money with anyone who would listen. But Judy was never simply shopping. Wherever she went, she was always looking, always thinking of others first. If she saw something that reminded her of someone she loved, she would buy it for them without hesitation. Thoughtful and selfless by nature, Judy found joy in giving, in remembering, and in making others feel seen and cared for.

Judy’s sports loyalties were unwavering. She faithfully supported the Chicago Bears and the St. Louis Cardinals, and she never missed an opportunity to cheer for whoever was playing the Green Bay Packers (Yackers), something she made very clear every season.

She loved animals, cherished her friendships, and lived her life with generosity, intention, and heart.

Judy is survived by her children: Danette (Tom) Pahl-Miller; Shannon (Bob) Oitker; Erin (John) Edgington; Gareth (DeAnne) Pittenger; and Vanessa Clark (Casimir K.).

She is also survived by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Braeden Pahl; Trevor Pittenger; Nathan (Abigail) Oitker; Tyler Oitker; Aubrey (Tyler) Haerr and their daughter Parker; Brooke Oitker; Valerie Edgington; Abbie Edgington (Hayden Yager) and their children Elizabeth, Lyla, and Leo; Michael Edgington; Kayla Boehm; Mandi Boehm; Alesandra Clark; Johnathan Clark; Alivia Clark; Bianca K.; and Emma K.

She is survived by her siblings, Janet Nash, and Jim (Donna) Hurtte, along with many cousins, nieces, nephews, "sister" Jeanne Dahmer, "daughter" Tina Dahmer, and many loving friends. 

Judy was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Daniel Ivan Pittenger; her parents, Dorothy and Rayford Hurtte; her parents-in-law, Ivan and Marcella Pittenger; her brother-in-law, Jim Nash; and her son-in-law, John Clark.

Those who knew Judy knew her as strong, loving, thoughtful, and selfless. Her life was defined by care—for her patients, her family, her friends, and every creature she loved. She lived with intention, gratitude, and generosity, always thinking of others before herself, and she leaves behind a legacy of strength, compassion, and love that will endure.

The visitation and gathering to celebrate her life will be held Saturday, March 7, 2026, from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM at the Schramka Funeral Home, W164N9034 Water St., Menomonee Falls, WI 53051.

Please wear bright, colorful clothes to honor her love of travel to warm destinations.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation or The Salvation Army.