Judith Lee “Judy” Vocke, 86 of Valparaiso passed away Thursday, October 16, 2025 surrounded by her children. She was born on September 29, 1939 in Clinton, Iowa to the late, LeRoy and Esther (Kroemer) Clausen. She earned a bachelor’s degree in business from Valparaiso University, and on July 22, 1961, married Merlyn C. Vocke (Merle) in Clinton, Iowa. Judy worked for 20 years in the business office at Valparaiso University. She was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, Kappa Tau Zeta Sorority at V.U., the V.U. Guild, and served as treasurer for many years for the Retirees of Valparaiso University (ReVU). Judy was a Valparaiso University Basketball season ticket holder and avid Women’s Volleyball fan.
Judy raised her children with love, tenderness and a sense of adventure. She dearly loved her grandchildren and was infinitely patient with and proud of them. They in turn, loved to learn about her life and make her laugh. She was the ultimate swim-parent, carpooling children, traveling to meets, and cheering for her children and their teammates. Every holiday and birthday were special, and the cross-country vacations in the pop-up camper are the stuff of family legends. After raising their family, she and her husband Merle traveled all over the world, visiting over 50 countries, always planned and arranged by Judy.
Judy is survived by her children, Cheryl (David Legere) Vocke, Kathryn (Matt) Fontaine, and Dave (Ann) Vocke; grandchildren, Justin and Kyle Fontaine and Nicholas and Nathan Vocke; brother, Alan (Trudi) Clausen; and nephew, Trevor Clausen. Judy was preceded in death by her husband, Merlyn, on March 4, 2023 and her niece, Stephanie Clausen Schmidt.
A private family service will be held with interment of ashes in the Immanuel Lutheran Church Memorial Garden. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, Immanuel Lutheran Church of Valparaiso, or the VNA Hospice of NWI.
