Judith "Judy" L. Schmuck
Judith L. Schmuck, 87, of Sioux Falls, SD, passed away on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at Dougherty Hospice House in Sioux Falls. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at Zion Lutheran Church in Sioux Falls. Visitation will take place from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Monday, April 20, 2026, at George Boom Funeral Home & On-Site Crematory in Sioux Falls. Burial will take place at Hills of Rest Cemetery in Sioux Falls. In lieu of flowers, please direct memorials to Zion Lutheran Church in Sioux Falls, Sioux Falls Lutheran Schools, or the Dougherty House in Sioux Falls.
Judy was born on March 18, 1939, to Marvin and Hattie Sonnichsen at Sioux Valley Hospital in Sioux Falls. She was baptized and confirmed at Zion Lutheran Church in Sioux Falls. She attended Mark Twain School through 8th grade, followed by Washington High School, where she graduated in 1957. She was a good student and vocal music was very important in her life from childhood onwards. During high school, music was her main extracurricular interest; she took vocal lessons and sang in chorus and the Double Quartet. Her activities at Zion Lutheran involved choirs from youth through high school. She taught Sunday School, belonged to Walther League and did church office work. She especially enjoyed going to the Walther League Camp on Lake Okoboji, Iowa, as a camper and also as a counselor.
Following high school, Judy attended St. John’s Lutheran College in Winfield, Kansas. Again music filled her life. She was the alto soloist for the college choir. After graduation she moved to Kansas City, Kansas, where she was installed as Parish Worker at Immanuel Lutheran Church. She did office work, directed choral music, and taught Release Time Classes. She returned to Sioux Falls and served as Parish Worker at Zion Lutheran Church. She did office work, worked with the youth, went on calls, and directed the children’s choirs, plus a double quartet. Her involvement with choirs lasted for more than 60 years. She started the Prayer Shawl Ministry at Zion, known as Loving Hands Ministry. To the end of her life, she remained active in church activities, particularly Bible studies and mission outreach.
In 1960, Judy met Ken Schmuck, a Sioux Falls dentist, whom she married on November 26, 1960. They were blessed with four children. Being involved in her children’s lives was what brought her greatest happiness; following their music and athletics kept her busy and summers were filled with family trips, usually to the Black Hills.
Over the years, she was always exploring new activities and hobbies such as ceramics, gardening, canning, beekeeping and wood-carving. She loved cooking and sewing for her family and made holidays and birthdays as special as anyone could for her children and their friends. In 1994, she opened a small yarn shop. She kept busy with knitting, weaving, and spinning. “Day in the Country” met in her home for 7 years every Friday. Many special friends were made because of this group. She was also active in starting the Sioux Falls area Fiber Guild. Her hands had knitting needles working daily.
Judy was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Jeanne Hausman; and husband, Ken.
Special people in her life are her daughter, Robyn; twin sons, Tobin (Leonardo) and Terry (Stefanie); daughter, Jaymee (Greg); 7 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren; her brother, David Sonnichsen; her sister-in-law, Corrine Handel; and many other relatives and friends.
Judy will always be remembered for her dedication to her family and friends; she gave freely of her time and talent and resources to all around her. She will be missed!