Judith A. 'Judy' Alft

Judith A. ‘Judy’ Alft, 80, of Merrill, died Monday, June 3, 2024, at Bell Tower Residence in Merrill.

Judy was born December 28, 1943, in Merrill, daughter of the late William and Marie (Arnett) Knispel. She married Terry Alft on October 30, 1965, at St. Stephen’s United Church of Christ, Merrill. He preceded her in death on August 8, 2011. Judy worked at Weinbrenner Shoe Company as a secretary and Semling and Menke as a laborer. She spent time volunteering at St. Stephen’s and the food pantry. Judy loved visiting and bringing baked goods to the shut ins at Pine Crest and Bell Tower. She enjoyed camping, playing cards, baking, spoiling her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and most importantly, taking care of her family.

Judy is survived by her children, Cary (Jill) Alft of Irma, Dena (Bruce) Novotny of Elk Mound, Wis, and Darin (Valerie) Alft of Merrill; six grandchildren, Ashley (John) Nightlinger, Nathan Alft, Dimitri and Dylan Alft, and Adam and Scott Novotny; great-grandchildren, Katherine and Emmett Nightlinger; sister, Sandra (Steve) Cotey of Merrill; and brothers, Gerald (Kate) Geishart of Wisconsin Rapids and Don (Julane) Knispel of Wausau. Judy was preceded in death by her husband, Terry Alft; and parents, William and Marie Knispel.

The funeral service for Judy will be held at 11:00 A.M., Tuesday, June 11, 2024, at St. Stephen’s United Church of Christ, Merrill. Rev. Michael Southcombe will officiate. The burial will take place in Merrill Memorial Park. Visitation will be from 4:00 P.M. until 6:00 P.M. Monday, June 10, 2024, at the Taylor-Stine Funeral Home, Merrill, and after 10:00 A.M. Tuesday at the church.

The family would like to thank the staff at Bell Tower Residence for the wonderful care they provided Judy throughout her time there.

Taylor-Stine Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Merrill, is assisting the family.

Online condolences may be made at www.taylorstinefuneralhome.com