Judith Kay “Judy” Soukup (1952-2025)
Judith Kay “Judy” Soukup, 73, of Wilson, Kan., passed away on Dec. 22, 2025, at the Wilson Care & Rehabilitation Center in Wilson. She was born on March 28, 1952, in Russell, Kan., to Leo and Katherine (Bohnen) Pasek.
Judy graduated from Dorrance High School in 1970. Shortly after high school, she fell in love with Kenneth Soukup and they were united in marriage on May 7, 1971, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Dorrance, Kan. They were blessed with four children, Kim, Kyle, Kenetta and Kory, and shared many years together until Kenneth’s passing in Oct. 2023.
Judy worked for 35 years at Eschbaugh Advertising in Wilson, where she was known for her dedication and strong work ethic. Her faith was central to her life. She was a devoted member of St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Wilson and the Daughters of Isabella. Judy served her church in many ways, including as a CCD teacher, Altar Society, lector and Eucharistic minister and she was always actively involved in parish activities. She also helped with the annual Czech Festival, famously making the beloved dill gravy enjoyed by many.
Generous and kind-hearted, Judy was always willing to help others and was a regular blood donor. She had a deep love for birds — cardinals being her favorite — enjoyed watching Westerns and treasured time spent with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Known for her unique preferences, Judy loved her coffee (and famously avoided water), had a fondness for junk food and would not be caught without her earrings. She was intrigued by animals, especially chickens and buffalo.
She is survived by her daughter Kim (Herbie) Shumaker, Russell, Kan.; five grandchildren, Chelsi (Mark) Muleski, Ashly McReynolds (Zach Gimeson), Tyler McReynolds, Herbie Shumaker and Klaudia Shumaker; brothers Rick Pasek Michael (Jamie) Pasek and David (Cathy) Pasek, all of Russell; sisters Cindy Bricker, Lucas, Kan.; Sharolyn (Creighton) Robinson, Nevada; and Carol Steinle, Bunker Hill, Kan.; and four great-grandchildren, Temperance, Rylee, Henry and Cooper.
She was preceded in death by her parents Leo and Katherine Pasek; husband Kenneth “Kenny” Soukup; daughter Kenetta; sons Kyle and Kory; brother Donnie Pasek; and sisters Marilyn, Betty Jean, Mary Jane Pasek and Kathleen Modlin.
Judy was a strong woman who faced a lifetime of hardships with courage, grace and unwavering faith. Through every trial, she never lost her love for others and gave it without hesitation. Her laughter filled every room, and we will fondly remember the treats she always had ready to share. She will be deeply missed, but we find comfort in knowing she is surrounded by angels, until we meet again.
Visitation will be Monday, Dec. 29, 2025, from 4-6 p.m., with a vigil service at 6 p.m., all at Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home, Wilson.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2025, at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church, Wilson. Burial will follow at the church cemetery. Memorials are suggested to St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church and Wilson Care & Rehab and may be sent to Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home, P.O. Box 533, Wilson, KS 67490.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.plumeroverlease.com.