Judith Louise Kuehnert

Judy was preceded in death by her parents, Rev. William F. Wedig and Nancy Keister Wedig; and her sister, Jeani.

She is survived by her husband of 55 years, Rev. Dr. Philip Kuehnert; her children, Jill Wright (Glenn), Rachel Becke (Chris), Cynthia Bowen (Chris), and Seth Kuehnert (Kristi); her nine grandchildren, Jenna and Michelle, Kennedy and Lindsay, Carolina, Courtney, and Croix, and Emma and Abigail; sisters, Becky, Bonnie, and Nancy; and in-laws, cousins, nieces and nephews.

Judy was born in Jackson, MS during her father's first parish assignment as a Lutheran pastor, but spent most of her childhood in New Orleans, LA. After high school, Judy enrolled in the Lutheran Hospital School of Nursing in St. Louis, MO and met Philip, who was then a student at Concordia Seminary St. Louis. After marriage, the couple lived in Richmond, VA and New Orleans, LA. They moved to Atlanta, GA where they lived for almost 20 years.

Though always fully supportive of her husband’s ministry and professional callings as a pastor and counselor, Judy was committed to her own nursing career. She worked throughout her life. She received a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from Georgia State University and became a nurse practitioner after receiving her Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from Emory University’s Woodruff School of Nursing. She was a valued staff member at Scottish Rite Children’s Hospital's neonatal intensive care and post-anesthesia care units in Atlanta for a decade.

In 1994, Judy, Phil, and son Seth moved from Atlanta to Fairbanks, AK. Judy joined the staff at Tanana Valley Clinic as a pediatric nurse practitioner. She made the most of her time in Alaska, regularly visiting remote villages to teach Vacation Bible School and embarking on long hikes and snow machine trips. In 2010, Judy and Phil both retired and moved to Williamsburg, VA.

Throughout her life Judy enjoyed traveling. She and Phil made trips to Canada, Southeast Asia, Australia, and South Africa to visit family and friends. In later years, they became enthusiastic cyclists and took seven bicycle tours of Europe.

Judy also journeyed in her Christian faith. She participated actively in Bible studies and traveled to Christian conferences with her sisters, daughters and granddaughters. In retirement, Judy built upon her faith and professional work with children to offer parent coaching and support to Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS). She and Phil also served King of Glory Lutheran Church in Williamsburg as Stephen Ministry Leaders. For several years they were the heart of the Connections ministry to new members.

In 2015 Judy and Phil bought a second home in Nellysford, VA on the sunrise side of the Blue Ridge Mountains. They began spending much of their time there, enjoying long bike rides and becoming an integral part of the community, including active membership at Bethany Lutheran Church in Fishersville, VA.

In the midst of all the travel, work, and volunteering, Judy always made time to be an attentive mother and grandmother and a caring friend. She and Phil hosted regular family reunions and annual cousin week for their grandchildren. Judy is remembered for being welcoming, calm, encouraging, and adventuresome--but also unafraid to put herself down for a nap when needed!

Judy’s family invites all who loved her to a funeral service on Saturday, July 15 at 10:30 a.m. at King of Glory Lutheran Church in Williamsburg, VA.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the King of Glory School in joyful remembrance of Judy's lifelong work with children and her commitment to sharing the love of Jesus with them. Checks should be made out to King of Glory School, with "Judy Kuehnert Scholarship Fund" indicated in the memo line and mailed to the school at 4897 Longhill Road, Williamsburg, VA 23188.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.NelsenWilliamsburg.com for the Kuehnert family.