Judith Ann Schaller, 78, peacefully passed away at her home in the care of her family on Friday, June 17, 2022.
Judith Ann Gerold was born to Edith (Berg) and Emil Gerold on October 2, 1943. She grew up on a dairy farm near Cedar Lake, IN. Judy left the farm to attend Indiana State University where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and later also earned her Masters of Education from Purdue University. After graduating she taught 4th grade at Knolling School in St. John for 3 years.
It was during that time that she met Herb Schaller through Rural Youth. They were married on June 10th, 1967, at Holy Name Catholic Church in Cedar Lake. They moved to Goshen, IN, where she taught elementary school for 1 year before moving to Plymouth where they would reside together for 55 years and raise their 5 children on their farm.
She loved and taught her children, through her selfless example of service. They also learned humility and hard work by watching her live every day of her life. The greatest gift she gave them was the gift of faith in Jesus Christ. Judy ensured that they all attended St. Michael Grade School and receive a faith-based education.
Judy always had a smile and never had an unkind word. For 25 years she was the Activities Director at the Catherine Kasper Home in Donaldson where she was the first to receive the Catherine Kasper Lifetime Achievement Award. She retired from this career to bring her mother, Edith, home to care for her until she went to her heavenly home in 2004.
After her mother passed, Judy enjoyed many hobbies including gardening, reading, and sewing and donating over 300 baby blankets to the Plymouth Women’s Care Center. Her favorite thing to do was to be with her grandchildren. There were many “Grandma sleepovers” and she earned the title “Grandma Spoiler.” The grandkids can attest that there was always ice cream in her freezer, as Judy enjoyed her ice cream as much as the kids.
Judy is survived by her loving husband, Herb of Plymouth, and their children: Steve (Leanne) Schaller of Rochester, Vince (Lanette) Schaller of Lamoni, IA, Dan (Stephanie) Schaller of Culver, Ben (Linda) Schaller of Plymouth and daughter Laura (Jon) Langfeldt; 10 grandchildren: Katherine, Sarah, Luke (Anna), Samuel, Matthew, Isaac, and Ellianna Schaller, and Morgan, Marisa and Brayden Langfeldt as well as great-grandson Walker Schaller.
Also surviving is her twin sister Joyce (Don) Satoski of Union Mills, IN; twin siblings Rita (Chuck) Hennings of Coco, FL and Ralph (Ruth) Gerold of Cedar Lake, IN; and sister-in-law, Carolyn Gerold of Greenville, OH; and brothers and sisters-in-law: John Schaller, Robert (Judy) Schaller, Harry Roe, Laura Halfman, Margaret (Steve) Hill, Donna (Norman) Johnson and Susan (Chuck) Kerr.
She was preceded in death by her parents Emil and Edith; brother David Gerold; brother and sisters-in-law Mary Lou Roe, Pat Schaller and Leonard Halfman, and father and mother-in-law, Ferdinand and Caroline Schaller.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 28, 2022, from 5-9 p.m. EST at Johnson-Danielson Funeral Home, 1100 N. Michigan Street, Plymouth. A Rosary will be recited at 8:45 p.m.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, June 29, 2022, at St. Michael Catholic Church, 613 N. Center Street, with Fr. Fernando Jimenez officiating.
Burial will follow in St. Michael Catholic Cemetery, Plymouth with Fr. Keeton Lockwood.
Faith and family mattered to her most and it would be her wish for any memorial contributions to be made to the Women’s Care Center, 224 N. Michigan Street, Plymouth, IN 46563 or St. Michael Church, 612 N. Walnut Street, Plymouth, IN 46563.
Tracy Swatek says
Thank you for sharing this. Aunt Judy was a wonderful person. She was one who showed me the joy in teaching and caring for children. I will be saying an extra prayer for her and the family.
Jan and Sue Warner says
RIP in peace Judy
Alice M. Krause says
Sorry for your loss. She sounds like a wonderful person.
Ren and Beverly Van Gilder says
Sending you our sympathy.
Sincerely,
Ren and Beverly Van Gilder
Kelly Larkey says
Donna,
We’re so sorry to hear about your loss. Sending you hugs and comfort during this difficult time. In deepest sympathy,
Kelly and Mike Larkey and family.
Bill and Marilyn Fortin says
So sorry for your loss. Judy was a wonderful lady and we are better for having known her. Our deepest sympathy.
The Greg Lenburg Family says
Our deepest condolences to Herb and the family over the loss of Judy. Judy was a treasure! When I was director of religious education, she graciously, during her retirement, volunteered to teach religious education (CCD) classes for many years. I could not have done the program without her help. Thanks to her and my other dedicated volunteers at the time, we were able pass on our Catholic faith in Jesus Christ and his church to children from grades K-8 and, most importantly, prepare them for the sacraments. Judy, may you Rest In Peace and enjoy your eternal reward.
Louise Pahs Robinson says
Herb and your family,
I am so sorry for your loss, but what a blessing Judy has been to everyone who knew her. Take with you the memories that you have made together. She was my college friend, but we have remained friends all these years later. I treasure that friendship. I wish you peace and comfort as you learn to live life without her. God bless.
Louise
Carol A. Lee says
To the Schaller and Gerold families, I am so sorry for your family’s loss. Hers was a life well lived, and I’m sure the family members who have previously passed away are welcoming her home with open arms. May she rest in God’s peace.
Halfman family says
Our love and prayers to all of the family. We will miss her smile and kindness. Eternal rest grant unto her O Lord, and let the perpetual light shine upon her.
Harry Roe says
Judy was as good a person as God ever created. She always had a smile and was a very kind person who gave so much to others. Bless her soul. She will be missed but loved with fond memories.
Harry Roe says
Judy and Herb created a wonderful family. Judy was as good as God ever made. Always a nice smile and wonderful disposition.
The Zamarlik Family says
Our deepest sympathy to you and the entire family on the loss of Judy. May God wrap his arms around you and comfort you during this difficult time. Keeping all of you in our thoughts and prayers.
Vincent Glose says
What a wonderful lady!! She will be greatly missed by myself and many others. My sympathies to go out to Herb and all the family. May Judy rest is peace.
Chris (Lehman) Sponseller says
I’m so very sorry for the loss of your mom. She was such a kind soul.
Pat Lehman says
So sorry for your loss. She was my favorite work out friend at Silver Sneakers.
Joe Gerlach says
Dear Herb & Family Our love for your Judy was for Her the first time at a Squard Dance Rural Youth many years ago. It has always been there today yet. I think I can speak for Bob Keilman, Fred Monix, Larry Monroe, Dave Meyers and I know there are others. May our Dear Friend Rest In Peace.
Paula Babcock says
Please accept my condolences for your loss. Judy was a sweet lady and will be missed by many. I’ll always remember her smile. Prayers for all of you.
Paula Babcock
Bruce and Dixie Bennett/Tracey and Aaron Rodgers says
Our heartfelt condolences sent to the Schaller family at this most difficult time . We lift you up in prayer to give you all strength as you reflect and celebrate a beautiful life that Judy led. She will be greatly missed but forever remembered and loved!
Jon Levine says
Steve and Vince,
Thinking of you guys. May the wonderful memories help ease the pain.
Jon Levine
Shirley Gidley says
I’m so sorry about Judy
She was and will be remembered by her outgoing , loving way she met and worked with all she encountered.
A loving mother, wife, daughter, and sibling within her family.
May you always remember her smile, her love, her caring for all .
She left everyone a wonderful example that so many could copy!