Judith Lorraine Zenk

Judith “Judy” Lorraine Zenk, 85, of Aledo, Illinois, died peacefully in her sleep on Friday, July 10, 2026, at MercyOne Genesis, Aledo.

Judy was born on June 24, 1941, in Deerfield, Wisconsin, the daughter of the late John and Josephine Dorshorst. Though Judy spent much of her life in Aledo, she was raised in Marshall, Wisconsin, where she met the love of her life, Donald (Don) Zenk. Don and Judy were married on July 30, 1959, and raised two children, Craig and Kay. Don’s construction business, Zenk Construction, brought the family to the Aledo area in 1975.

Over the years, Judy was a quiet force behind the scenes, helping manage the bookkeeping for the family business while raising her children with equal measures of love, discipline, and unwavering support. She continued supporting the family business when her son, Craig, founded Zenk Excavating, managing the bookkeeping there as well. Today, that family legacy continues through her grandson Corey and great-grandson Landon, while her daughter, Kay, has devoted her life to educating and serving others as an elementary teacher.

Judy’s influence extended far beyond her own home. She took great pride in watching her family carry those same values into their own communities. The values she instilled—hard work, perseverance, generosity, and faith—continue to be reflected throughout her family.

Judy also put her remarkable talents in gardening and horticulture to work at Linda’s Flower Shop, now known as Aledo Flower Shop. For more than two decades, countless weddings, proms, anniversaries, funerals, and special occasions throughout Mercer County were made more beautiful through her creativity and care. Every arrangement reflected not only her talent but also the kindness and thoughtfulness she brought to everything she did.

As a devoted Catholic, Judy lived her faith not only through her involvement in the Church but in the way she treated others each day. She was known for her gratitude, her gentle spirit, and her willingness to lend a helping hand or kind word. Whether through a beautiful bouquet, a warm conversation, or a quiet act of kindness, she made Aledo a better place for more than twenty years.

To her family, however, Judy was a sister, wife, mom, grandma, and great grandma. Her home was always a place of comfort and welcome. The cookie jar was never empty when the grandchildren came to visit, and the cookies were often homemade, with extras always waiting in the freezer. She always had toys waiting to be played with, and no one ever left her house hungry. She had a gift for making ordinary afternoons feel special simply by opening her home and sharing a meal, a dessert, or time relaxing and chatting in the living room. Not only did she make time for her immediate family, but she would also often travel back to Wisconsin to spend time with her siblings and their families.

Outside of caring for her family, Judy found joy in life’s simple pleasures. She loved playing euchre and other card games, cheering on Wisconsin sports teams, bowling, spending time on the golf course in her younger years, and later watching golf when playing was no longer an option. In her younger years, Judy and Don enjoyed spending evenings at dance halls, where they would dance the night away. It was common to find her outside working among her flowers until every bloom, every plant, and every edge looked just the way she wanted it. Her gardens reflected the same patience, pride, and care that she gave to the people she loved.

Judy’s legacy is not measured only by the flowers she arranged, the beautiful gardens she tended, or the businesses she helped build, but by the home she created, the faith she lived, and the family she nurtured and loved. She leaves behind a legacy of kindness, perseverance, hospitality, and love that will continue through her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, all of whom had the privilege of knowing her. She will be deeply missed, forever cherished, and lovingly remembered.

Judy is survived by her daughter, Kay (Paul) Hedrick; her grandchildren, Corey (Jessica) Zenk, Tyler (Reilly) Zenk, Christopher (Michelle) Hedrick, Brandon Hedrick, Kendell Hedrick, and Jayke Hedrick; seven great-grandchildren, Landon Zenk, Alexia Zenk, Kadin Brewer, Korbin Brewer, Kyrin Brewer, Donovan Zenk, and Callahan Zenk; two sisters, Norma Bohl (widow of Donald Bohl) and Marilyn Herman (widow of Bud Herman); and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Josephine Dorshorst; her husband, Donald Zenk; her son, Craig Zenk; her siblings, Donald Dorshorst and his wife, Doris; Elvira (Vera) Haberman; Delores Zellner; Francis Dorshorst and his wives, MaryAnn and Judy; JoAnn Kessler and her husband, Floyd; Kenneth Dorshorst; Audrey Dorshorst; and Patricia Pollard.

A Mass celebrating Judy's life will be held on Friday, July 24, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Catherine's Catholic Church, Aledo. A luncheon and time of fellowship will follow the Mass in the church hall beginning at noon. Private family burial will be in Aledo Cemetery. Memorials may be made to St. Catherine's Catholic Church. Speer Funeral Home, Aledo, is assisting the family.