Memorial

Judith “Judy” Kay Shimek (Stoltz), 70, passed away on October 9, 2026, at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City, Iowa, due to end-stage liver failure. Services will be held Saturday, October 17, 2026, 10:00 am, at Cedar Memorial Chapel of Memories.  A visitation will be held Friday, October 16, 4:00-7:00 pm, at Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home.  Burial: Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery.  

Judy was born on February 12, 1956, at Mercy Hospital in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, to Winifred (Sue) and Eugene (Louie) Stoltz. Judy grew up in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and graduated from Cedar Rapids Jefferson High School in 1974. She also cherished spending her summers with her grandparents in Springfield, South Dakota.

In 1973, Judy met the love of her life, Jeffrey (Jeff) Shimek, after her car broke down and some guys from the local pizza hangout, Tony’s Pizza, came to the rescue. Although Judy didn’t think much about him at the time, Jeff was enamored. He pursued Judy and convinced her to go on a date. The two fell in love and married on May 23, 1975.

Jeff and Judy bought a house and raised two daughters in Cedar Rapids. They later moved to an acreage in Walker, Iowa, where they could finally have their horses on the same property.

Judy worked in the Cedar Rapids School District for over 20 years, mostly as the health secretary at Harding Middle School. She then moved on to become the Volunteer Coordinator for Mercy Hospital in Cedar Rapids, where she worked until retiring in 2021. Judy was also actively involved in her Walker community, participating in the R.A.R.E. Club and serving as a devoted member of New Hope Methodist Church.

She was also an incredible cook who loved preparing meals for a crowd. Whether gathering family, friends, or members of her community around the table, Judy shared her love through food and took joy in bringing people together.

Judy was preceded in death by her parents, Winifred (Sue) and Eugene (Louie) Stoltz; her sister, Lucinda (Cindy) Werderman; and her grandparents, Florence and Stuart DeGroot.

She is survived by her husband of 51 years, Jeff Shimek; her daughters, Jennifer (Brian) Colburn and Jill (Todd) Heald; her brother, Stuart (Lauren) Stoltz; nine grandchildren, Taylor (Kaleb Goodwin) Heald, Alex Heald, Karsyn (Trenten) Wennermark, Jackson (Courtney) Colburn, Spencer Heald, Avery (Evan Behrens) Keen, Weston Keen, Wyatt Colburn, and Cody Colburn; and one great-grandson, Jesse Goodwin.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the many medical professionals who cared for Judy throughout her journey, especially the doctors, nurses, and care teams at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. We are deeply grateful for their compassion, dedication, and the kindness they showed Judy and our family during such a difficult time.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the American Diabetes Association in Judy’s memory.

Judy will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all those whose lives she touched. Her love, the memories she created, and the life she shared with those closest to her will forever remain in our hearts.