Judy A. (Kennicker) Gaul, age 53, of Dubuque, was called home peacefully at 2:02 p.m., on Sunday, November 11, 2018, at UnityPoint Health Finley Hospital, surrounded by her loving family. To honor Judy’s life, funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., on Saturday, November 17, 2018, at Ss. Peter and Paul Church, 5131 Sherrill Road, with Rev. Noah J. Diehm officiating. To celebrate Judy’s life, family and friends may visit from 4:00 p.m., until 7:00 p.m., on Friday, November 16, 2018, at Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, where there will be a parish scripture service held at 3:30 p.m. Burial will be in Immaculate Conception Cemetery, North Buena Vista, Iowa.

Judy was born on March 9, 1965, in Dubuque, Iowa, daughter of Frank and Kathryn (Ludovissy) Kennicker.

Judy was a graduate of Hempstead High School, Class of 1984, and went on to attend NICC, where she earned her CNA certificate. She was a hard worker who took great pride in caring for her patients as if they were her own family, there were never any short cuts taken when Judy was on duty. She was employed first with Big Meadows Nursing Home in Savanna, Illinois, and lastly with Mercy Hospital in Clinton, Iowa, until she was forced to retire early due to health issues. She was united in marriage to Robert Gaul, in 1989, at Ss. Peter and Paul Church, and they were blessed with 2 adored children. Judy was deeply devoted to her family, always making sure to keep in touch and up to date on the latest events going on in their lives, as well as being a staple at all family gatherings. Judy’s faith was also of utmost importance in her life, and she took her duties as an aunt and Godmother to her nieces and nephews very seriously. As a caretaker, Judy also knew the importance of taking time for herself, and when she found some free time in her days, she enjoyed sitting down to watch a favorite tv program, rooting on her beloved Cubbies or heading out, ready to win big, at Bingo. Judy was also an avid Neil Diamond fan, calling into the radio station religiously every Friday night to request her favorite songs, and was thrilled when she was finally able to see him perform live. We are deeply saddened at the loss of our dear mom, daughter, sister and friend, much too early on our Earthly journey, but know that she is now free of the health challenges that she has faced with such courage, strength and grace the past few years. We will miss you more than words can say, but will cherish the memories we have made along the way, and do our best to carry on the lessons, values and love of family you so graciously taught us every day.

Those left to cherish Judy’s memory include

her children,
Jeremy Gaul, Clinton, IA
and Courtney Gaul, Marion, IA;

her special friend,
Douglas Moes, Dubuque, IA;

her mother,
Kathryn Kennicker, Sherrill, IA;

her siblings,
Duane (Brenda) Kennicker, Sherrill, IA,
Nancy (Tom) Fischer, Sherrill, IA,
Allen (Robin) Kennicker, Balltown, IA
and Lisa (Ron) Cummer, Garber, IA;

a sister-in-law,
Carol Ludovissy, Suamico, WI;

and her former husband,
Robert Gaul, Fulton, IL.

Judy was preceded in death by her father, Frank Kennicker; and a brother, Steve Ludovissy.

Judy’s family would like to thank the nurses and staff of Finley Hospital and Dubuque Specialty Care for all of their kind, encouraging and professional care of Judy and her family.

Memorials will be accepted by the family to be distributed among Judy’s favorite charities.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.behrfuneralhome.com