JUDITH A. RADCLIFFE

JUDITH A. RADCLIFFE
Judith A. Radcliffe, 87, of Hillsboro, WI, and formerly of Black River Falls, WI, passed on peacefully Tuesday, Jan. 22, 2025. She was fortunate to be surrounded by friends and family until the end of her life.
Judy will forever be remembered for her sweet disposition, kind spirit and sense of adventure. She was one of those rare individuals who managed to combine fierce independence with a sincere commitment to family. Her life was spent in service to others, all with an innocent joy and smile on her face.
She was born March 15, 1937, in Milwaukee, WI, to Herbert and Isabelle (Dvorak) Mount. Her father was a successful attorney in the Milwaukee area and her mother was the family caretaker for Judy and her three sisters. She grew up in Wauwatosa and was a graduate of Wauwatosa High School in 1955. She and her sisters enjoyed time at their farm in the country, complete with an apple orchard and berry bushes, where Judy developed her love of the outdoors.
She was crowned Miss Wauwatosa in 1956 and went on to compete in the Miss Wisconsin pageant, where she finished sixth. She was most proud, however, that her fellow competitors bestowed her with the honor of being selected as “Miss Congeniality,” a most proper determination.
The beauty queen went on to attend Iowa State University where she graduated in 1959. Then, she earned her license in occupational therapy from the University of Wisconsin Medical School in 1960.
While attending UW-Madison, she met and fell in love with a dashing law student, Bob Radcliffe, who was “lucky to find her,” according to Judy. Bob and Judy married July 2, 1960, in Wauwatosa, WI, and spent the next 54 years together until his death in 2014.
While Bob was busy as Jackson County District Attorney and Circuit Judge, Judy raised four children. With her guidance and determination, her children each graduated as valedictorian of Black River Falls High School and found successful careers.
She was a constant presence in her children’s lives, loving grandmother who never forgot a birthday. Her devotion to her friends was evident. It was never hard for her to touch lives where ever she went.
Judy also managed to find time to participate in many local community organizations. She served as a board member of her beloved Black River Country Bank for over 30 years, where she was instrumental in spearheading many charitable efforts. She led with strength and grace.
Above it all, she loved her time outdoors. Horses were a passion, as she continued to ride into her 70s. She loved gardening and bird watching. Judy was game for anything, including Canada fly-in fishing trips, cross country skiing and anything the grandkids cooked up.
She is survived by her four children, Noel (Dave), Rick (Carol) and twins Robin (Julia) and Rolfe (Erin); 10 grandchildren: Sterling, Griffin, Ian, Sierra, Alex, Amelia, Nora, Mopane, Sawyer and Haley; and one sister, Priscilla.
Judy was preceded in death by her parents, her husband and two sisters, Charlotte and Cynthia.
A celebration of life for Judy Radcliffe will be held Saturday, Feb. 8, 2025, at 12 noon at the Torkelson Funeral Home in Tomah, WI. A short ceremony at 1 p.m. is planned followed by lunch.
Torkelson Funeral Home of Tomah, WI is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be offered at www.torkelsonfuneralhome.com.
Memorials in memory of Judy Radcliffe may be given to the Jackson County Animal Shelter or the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.