Judy Kapture

PORTAGE – Judy Kapture, age 84, of Caledonia Township, passed away peacefully at St. Clare SSM Hospice on Wednesday, November 6, 2024.

Judy was born on January 22, 1940, in Illinois, the daughter of Billy and Ruth (née Osborn). She married Dennis L. Daehn on July 1, 1985, and proclaimed herself step-monster to Laura, Carol and Susan.

Judy was an educated woman having earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Dairy Technology in 1961 and her Master of Arts in Sociology in 1969 at the University of Illinois.  Judy volunteered with the Peace Corps and traveled to the Dominican Republic in 1964 and 1965. She met many wonderful people and made lifelong Peace Corps friends.

After returning from the Peace Corps, Judy returned to her first love: goats.  Judy grew up showing goats and translated that love into working with the American Dairy Goat Association. She chaired many committees, was a founding member of the ADGPA and wrote many articles for their newsletter. She was a lifelong member of ADGA. In the mid 80’s she bought a Grade A goat milking operation in Caledonia, Cascade Dairies, and became involved in the national goat milk market. For over 20 years she helped grow the goat milk industry in Wisconsin and develop goat milk standards by working with DATCP officials. Judy was a huge part of developing the goat cheese industry in Wisconsin.  Judy also wrote many articles, edited publications, and served on a federal-level committee to consider regulations that affect our industry.

Judy also loved to keep current on the neighborhood gossip! Chatting with neighbors translated into a sales position at Portage Printing and developed into delivering scratchpads monthly to many customers, who became like family. Judy will always be remembered for sharing stories and photos when she was out and about, having a deep love of animals and family, her smile and laugh.

She is survived by her husband, Dennis; daughters Carol Heisz and Susan (Seth) Miller; grandchildren Nick Wentz, Marissa Wentz, Ethan (Enya) Daehn, Jordan Heisz and Cameron Heisz; great-grandchildren Sienna and Eevee; other relatives and many friends.  She was preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Laura Wentz; and son-in-law, Lee Heisz.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Pflanz Mendrala Funeral Home in Portage is assisting the family.