Judy Kathleen Aukes

Judy Kathleen Parker was born on November 8th, 1956 in Kalamazoo, Michigan to Harold and Edyth (Brown) Parker. She was united in marriage to Chris Aukes on May 7th, 1976, and together they had three daughters: Laura, Emily, and Amy.

Judy was a very active member of The Salvation Army Kalamazoo Citadel Corps, epitomizing the mission of loving God by serving others. She served as YPSM (youth ministries director) for over 30 years: leading the Singing Company, teaching Junior Soldier classes, directing countless children’s musicals, and making sure that every kid who walked into The Salvation Army knew they were loved. She also played baritone in the band and was a frequent soprano soloist in the church choir.

After years of substitute teaching, Judy got her dream job as a second-grade teacher at Mattawan Early Elementary. She viewed her job as a vocation, another way to love God’s precious children. She became a highly esteemed educator and earned her Master of Arts from Western Michigan University in 1997.

Judy was an engaging extrovert and made friends everywhere she went. She counted everyone she met as a friend, whether work colleagues, fellow church members, coworkers at miscellaneous jobs before becoming a teacher, or castmates from participating in numerous musicals at the Kalamazoo Civic Theatre. In retirement, she operated a donut cart in downtown Kalamazoo, allowing her to meet countless strangers while spreading the joy of a sweet treat.

In 2017, Judy and Chris moved to the Chicago area to be near their children. She became a faithful member of The Salvation Army Norridge Citadel Corps, participating in Songsters, band, women’s ministries, English conversation class, and any Bible study she could get to. Judy took great pleasure in her grown nieces and nephews and loved spoiling their children.

Judy was a lifelong learner and voracious reader. She was curious about everything and everyone. She was always friendly and had a sincere interest in getting to know others and their stories. Her curiosity also led her to read as much as possible, particularly historical biographies of ordinary people. She enjoyed researching her family’s genealogy and learning more about their stories. Judy loved traveling and had completed her goal of visiting all 50 states with her husband Chris just days before her death. She will be remembered by all for her joyful spirit and sense of fun. Most importantly, she had a strong

personal faith in Jesus and looked forward to the day she would meet Him face to face and be reunited with her family members who had gone on before.

Judy is survived by her husband, Chris; her daughters and son-in law Laura and Mutaz Asha, Emily Aukes, and Amy Aukes; sisters-in-law Wendy (Jim) Larson, Wendy (Bill) Boettger, and Jane (Joel) Clark; special niece Michelle Henry; and several beloved cousins, nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents and her brothers, Marshall David Parker and Mark Daniel Parker.

A visitation for Judy will be held on May 16th from 4pm-8pm at Oehler Funeral Home (2099 Miner Street, Des Plaines, IL). A memorial service will occur on May 31st at 2:00pm at The Salvation Army Norridge Citadel Corps (8354 W. Foster Ave, Norridge, IL), with a committal service to occur on June 2nd at 11:00am at Glen Oak Cemetery (4301 Roosevelt Road, Hillside, IL).

Condolences and fond memories of Judy can be shared at www.OehlerFuneralHome.com