Judy R. Bever (Brandau), 81, passed away peacefully Friday, Jan. 9, 2026, at Hyland Crossing Memory Care in Sun Prairie, Wis., after a slow decline from Parkinson’s disease.
Judy was born June 9, 1944, in Sparta, Wis., the daughter of Leonard and Galetta (Bucholz) Brandau. She was raised on her family’s farm and attended school in Wilton, Wis., where she developed the values of faith, hard work, and service that guided her throughout her life. Judy earned a degree in elementary education from the University of Wisconsin–La Crosse and was united in marriage to William (Bill) R. Bever on June 24, 1967, at St. John Catholic Church in Wilton.
Judy devoted her career to education, teaching in the Janesville School District for decades. Her work included teaching second grade in Sun Prairie, years of substitute teaching in the Janesville area, and a long and meaningful tenure as a first-grade teacher at Roosevelt Elementary School. In 2003, she was honored as Teacher of the Year. After 21 years in the classroom, Judy retired, leaving behind a legacy of patience, compassion, and encouragement to countless students.
Judy was a loving mother and an amazing grandma who always had activities, games, toys and special food ready for her grandchildren’s visits. She also found joy in caring for her family and home and was well known for her baking, often sharing homemade treats as a heartfelt expression of love and hospitality. Judy was an active member of St. John’s Lutheran Church and served her community through the Harmony 4-H Club, Salvation Army, Women’s Auxiliary, and the Parkinson’s Support Group of Rock County.
Judy is survived by her children, Scott (Shannon) Bever and Tracy (Jon) Frank; her grandchildren, Claire and John Bever and Garrett and Devin Frank; her siblings, Sandra (Bill Tyler) Parish, James (Carol) Brandau, and Lori (Rick) Brueggen; and her sister-in-law, Phyllis Brandau, wife of her late brother Jan. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Leonard and Galetta Brandau; her beloved husband, Bill Bever; and her brother, Jan Brandau.
A funeral service celebrating Judy’s life and faith will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 17, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Janesville. Visitation will be held at the church prior to the service from 8:30 to 10:45 a.m. Committal will follow in the chapel at Milton Lawns Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Tomorrow’s Hope (Parkinson’s Support Group of Rock County) or Brighton Hospice, whose compassionate care supported Judy during her final two years of life. SCHNEIDER FUNERAL DIRECTORS is assisting the family. For online condolences and guestbook, please visit www.schneiderfuneraldirectors.com.
