Judy Handeland

Judith Anne Bertolus Handeland, was born on April 26, 1940, to Paul and Lillian (Buelow) Bertolus in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Judy, a beloved mother, grandmother, and Nonna, passed away on October 24, 2026.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her daughter in law, Terry (Boulier) Handeland.

Judy is survived by her husband Dennis; Paul (Carolynn) Bertolus Jr.; her sons, Mark (Joan), Michael (Lori), and Douglas Handeland; her grandchildren, Steven (Courtney) Handeland, Jessica (Eric) Lanier, Andrew (Amanda) Handeland, and Alexander Handeland. She was also a proud great-grandmother to Sophia, Leo, Zoey, and Lena Lanier; and Lilia, Frederick, Aubrey, William, and Olivia Handeland.

She leaves behind many nieces and nephews who adored their “Auntie Judy” as well as many members of her Italian family, whom she loved dearly. She believed her life and the lives of her American family were made richer by knowing them.

Her grandchildren hold cherished memories of train trips to Chicago and lunch at Bubba Gump’s Shrimp. Her lasagna was legend.

Judy worked as a secretary at Brown Deer High School and as a receptionist for an OB/GYN. She later became a massage therapist, a profession that reflected her desire to care for others and bring comfort to those around her. She was a woman of deep faith, and her devotion to God was an important part of who she was and how she lived her life.

Judy enjoyed the simple pleasures that brought joy to her days, especially reading (paperweight sized tomes), long, hot baths, drinking hot beverages while watching her favorite teams—the Brewers, Packers and Bucks. She also cherished her father’s Italian heritage and homeland. And when it came to dogs, not a single one ever entered her orbit without falling completely in love with her.

Judy’s life was a testament to the enduring importance of family, faith, and compassion. Her memory will live on in the hearts of those she loved.

From 1 Corinthians: 13:

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.”

“Love never ends.”

“So now these three remain: faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love.”

Family and friends are welcome to gather on Saturday, November 14, 2026, at Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church, 2160 Packerland Dr. Green Bay, from 9:00am until 11:00am, with a memorial service to follow at 11:00am with Pastor John Jordan officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials to in memory of Judy can be made to Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church. Which will be divided between Asia Lutheran Seminary and the SMAK mission in Indonesia. Both things were dear to Judy.