Obituaries

Judith (Judy) Marie Pendergast, 84 of Mondovi passed away on her favorite holiday, Christmas Day, Wednesday, December 25th, 2024, at Dove Healthcare-South in Eau Claire, WI.

Judy was the youngest of three children born to Arnold and Borghild (Nelson) Korn on February 25th, 1940, in Stanley, Wisconsin. She was raised in Chippewa Falls and in Hawaii while her father was employed by the Navy in the rebuilding of Pearl Harbor. The family returned to Chippewa Falls, where she graduated from McDonnell High School.

On November 28th, 1959, Judy married the love of her life, James (Jim) Pendergast. Whom, she met at Jack’s Tavern in rural Eau Claire while attending a Halloween party.

They started a family and remained in the Eau Claire area. Judy worked various jobs throughout her lifetime. In her early years, she worked at her father’s bar, Arnie and Percy’s. She also worked various health care positions, waitressing jobs, and lastly, retiring from Gilbertson's cleaners.

After her children were grown, Judy enjoyed spending her summers with Jim at Potato Lake and wintering with him in Donna, Texas. She made great memories while fishing the lake, playing cards with friends, and visiting casinos.

Judy was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She cherished her family and enjoyed hosting holiday dinners throughout the years. Her family will deeply miss her and cherish the memories she gave them. Her legendary stories will live on through them.

Judy is survived by her step-son, Mark (Judy) Pendergast; son, Butch Pendergast; daughter, Penny (John) Helwig; son, James Pendergast Jr; and son, Paul Pendergast; grandchildren, Michael (Bethany) Pendergast, Ryan (Breanna) Pendergast, Michael Helwig, Jonathon Helwig, Kari (Kenny) Gessner, Kayla (Luke) Plank, Jacob (Katrina) Pendergast, and Kelsey (Jim) Pendergast; fifteen great grandchildren; brother in-laws, Rick (Ellen) Pendergast and Doug Thompson; ex daughter in-law, Peggy Pendergast; many nieces. Nephews, cousins and friends.

Judy is preceded in death by her husband, Jim of 52 years; infant son, Michael; her parents; father and mother in-law, James and Beverly Pendergast; brothers, Wayne and Gene Korn; sister in-laws, Judith, Rosie, Charmaine Korn, and Barbara Thompson; nephews, Jeff and Brad Korn and Timothy Thompson.

Following a private burial, there will be a celebration of life for friends and family from 12-3 on Saturday, February 1st at 4-Mile Restaurant and bar at S5786 Hwy 37 Eau Claire, WI.