Judith M. Hertlein

Judith M. Hertlein

Age 75, of Gladwin, formerly of Northville, passed away April 15, 2022. She was born on September 8, 1946 in Detroit, Michigan; daughter of Elmer and Marie (Strick) Lang. She graduated from McKenzie High School in Detroit; Class of 1964.  Following high school, she attended Henry Ford Community College where she earned an associate degree.  Judy was united in marriage to William A. Hertlein on September 27, 1969; they spent 42 years lovingly committed to one another until his death on February 12, 2012.

Judy’s first career was at Michigan Bell, and although she was quickly gaining roles in increasing responsibility, she left after starting her family.  A devoted mother, Judy focused on raising her children.  As her children grew, she took jobs with companies that were flexible so she could spend time with her family.  She worked at St. Paul’s Lutheran School in the preschool program and later Engineering & Testing Services in Plymouth as an office administrator.  Judy then took a job with Blue Cross Blue Shield where she started as a manager’s assistant and worked her way up the corporate ladder to executive assistant to vice president.  Ultimately, she retired in 2009 to love and care for her ailing husband.

Judy and Bill built a home on their dream property in Gladwin so they could retire and spend their days living the lake life at Sugar Springs.  She had a wonderful group of neighbors, who were an extended family to Judy for 30 plus years.  They would spend summers fishing, floating, cruising and sitting on the deck enjoying the sunshine and laughter.  Judy loved to spend time with nature; sitting and watching the lake, fishing, or watching the deer cross through her yard.  She perfected Sunday brunch cruise on the boat and all the other things that encompassed lake living.  Judy also enjoyed cross country skiing and more recently an enthusiastic game of bocce.   Always wearing the appropriate green and white spirit wear, she cheered for Michigan State football or basketball any chance she had.  If there didn’t happen to be any games on tv, she liked to watch Jeopardy, Family Feud, and of course the news.

Judy loved food and was passionate about a whole food, vegetarian lifestyle.  Happiest in the kitchen and cooking, her specialty was good hearty home meals and delicious soups.  Judy loved all animals, but especially adored dogs, if there was a dog or puppy nearby, she had to pet it.  She showered her Australian Shepard, Toby and her late Chocolate Lab Bailey with affection every chance she got.  Judy’s greatest joy in life were the people around her, especially her children and granddaughters.  Throughout the years she built meaningful relationships that lasted decades and remained close no matter how much time had passed.  Known as a second mom or grandmother to countless friends, family, and even co-workers, Judy touched the hearts of everyone she met with her caring and compassionate way.  Her selfless love of those around her made it so you couldn’t help but love her just the same.

Judy is survived by her loving children, Paul (Kris) Hertlein and Laura Hertlein; her granddaughters, Anna and Olivia; her sisters-in-law, Ival Lang and Mary Kenealy.  She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, and her brother Philip Lang.

Memorial visitation will be held Friday, April 29th from 2:00pm until 4:00pm with a memorial service beginning at 4:00pm at Casterline Funeral Home, 122 West Dunlap, Northville.  Pastor Christopher Fairbairn from St. Paul will officiate the service.  Celebration of life will follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate memorial contributions to CurePSP, 1216 Broadway, 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10001, The Junior Diabetes Research Fund , 200 Vesey Street, 28th Floor, New York, NY 10291 or Sugar Springs Memorial Fund, 5477 Worthington Court, Gladwin, MI 48624.

The family would like to request for her friends and family to share photos you may have for the memorial service and after.  If you are able to share them, please write your name and a brief description of the photo.  Emails can be sent to [email protected] , please make sure to include Judy’s name in the subject line.