Judith A. “Judy” Keck-Lang, 78, of Burlington, passed away peacefully in her home on Wednesday May 24, 2023, surrounded by her family.
Judy was born June 12, 1944, in Des Moines, Iowa, to Roger and Frances (nee Williams) Keck, where she spent her childhood years. Judy lived in Libertyville, Illinois for over 20 years before she remarried Jeff Lang on June 27, 1992 and settled in Burlington in 1994. Judy graduated from Roosevelt High School in Des Moines, Iowa, attended Coe College Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and received her associate degree from College of Lake County, Illinois; her bachelor’s degree from St. Francis University; and her master’s degree in nursing administration from Webster University in St. Louis, Missouri. While furthering her education at Coe College, Judy married Warren A. Nicholas III and raised their two children, Carrie and Warren IV (Nick). Judy began her career as a nurse with Orchard Medical Center and moved into the role of a school nurse working for the Round Lake and Waukegan School District’s for over 25 years. Judy loved working with the kids! Upon her retirement from public service, Judy began her second career working as an RN for Pinebrook Pointe Assisted Living, and taught the CNA program at Gateway Technical College, retiring for good in 2009.
Judy was confirmed into the United Methodist Church April 21, 1957, was a former member of the Libertyville UMC, and looked forward to her yearly sabbatical to the Des Moines YMCA Family Camp. “Y-Camp” was a weeklong retreat Judy began as child and continued throughout her entire adult life. She and her family would embrace their faith at they referred to as the closest place to heaven on earth. Judy and Jeff were chosen as Mayors of the retreat in 2003. This was a great honor for Judy and Jeff.
Judy was a member of the PEO Nursing Sisterhood, and loved the outdoors, gardening, fishing, bowling, cheering on the Green Bay Packers, and especially being with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She absolutely loved hosting bonfires on her property “down by the river” where she would share the fruits of her labor with homemade chili, baked goods, and vegetables from the garden with family and friend.
Judy is survived by her husband of nearly 31 years Jeff; two children, Carrie A. Nicholas-Sarver of Gurnee, Illinois and Warren A. “Nick” IV (Debra Bernard) Nicholas of Libertyville, Illinois; four grandchildren, Drew (Lindsey) Sarver, Patrick (Holly) Bernard, Kathryn Bernard, and Matthew (Megan) Bernard; five great-grandchildren, Dawson Rae Sarver, and Ruby, Hazel, Matilda, and Noah Bernard; a brother Bill (Barb) Keck of Des Moines, Iowa; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
In addition to her parents, Judy was preceded in death by a son-in-law Mark Sarver; and brothers John and Robert Keck.
Memorial Visitation will be held from 1 until 4 p.m. on Saturday, June 24, 2023, at the Strange Funeral Home of Antioch, Main St. (Rte. 83) Antioch, Illinois, with a Celebration of Judy’s Life Service commencing at 4 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations to a family memorial c/o Warren Nicholas IV are appreciated in Judy’s memory. Please sign the online guest book for Judy at www.strangfh.com.
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