Judith "Judie" Kay Urbanek

Judith “Judie” K. Urbanek, 79, of Wausau, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.

Judie was born October 28, 1946, in Oshkosh, daughter of the late Norman and Katherine (Rollins) Dahlke. On December 19, 1970, she married Dennis Urbanek.

A dedicated foreign language teacher, Judie shared her love of learning with countless students throughout her career. Zion Lutheran School, Wausau East High School, and St. Mary’s Oratory (where she taught the pre-seminary program for several years) were all fortunate to have her on their faculties. In addition to her classroom teaching, she was a German teacher and generously volunteered her time as a tutor to ensure her students' success.

Judie was also deeply involved in her Zion Church community, serving faithfully as a reader and as a devoted member of the choir. Outside of her work, she found great joy in gardening, traveling, and reading. Above all, she cherished time spent with her friends and her wonderful family, especially her grandchildren.

Survivors include her husband, Dennis Urbanek; her children, Edward (Rebecca) Urbanek, Elise Purves, and Tim Urbanek; her beloved grandchildren, Maxwell, Malcolm, and Mirabelle Urbanek, and Orla Purves; her sister, Kathie (Gary) McFarlane; and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, June 1, 2026, at Zion Lutheran Church, Wausau. Visitation will be held at the church on Monday from 9:30 AM until the time of the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Judie’s name to Zion Lutheran Church.