Judy Wasle Joeckel

Mary Judith Joeckel passed away on October 13, 2022.  She was 86.  She joins in heaven her husband of 63 years, Rev. Dr. David Joeckel, who died on September 20, 2022.

Judy was born on August 4, 1936, and raised in the St. Louis area. Upon graduating high school, she enrolled at Deaconess Hospital Nursing School in St. Louis. After completing the three-year program, Judy became a Registered Nurse. During this time, she met her husband, Dave Joeckel, who was a student at nearby Concordia Seminary. After a three-year courtship, Judy and Dave were united in marriage on January 4, 1959, in Judy’s home congregation, Grace Chapel, in St. Louis. They established their first home in New Orleans where Pastor Joeckel served as the Assistant Pastor at St. Paul Lutheran Church. Judy gave birth to Lynn and David in New Orleans. ln 1962, the family moved to Hacienda Heights, California, a suburb of Los Angeles, where Pastor Joeckel was called to start a new mission. While living in Hacienda Heights, Judy worked several years at a hospital in West Covina in the ER. Judy gave birth to Bill and Mark while in California. In 1971, the family moved to Arlington, Texas, where Pastor Joeckel had accepted a call to be Senior Pastor at Grace Lutheran Church. Judy served as a Junior High Sunday School teacher for many years. She was an active member of the LWML, a teacher in the annual Vacation Bible School (serving as its’ Director two years), served as volunteer School Nurse, and taught the four-year-old class in Grace’s Pre-school for 18 years. During these years of serving as a pre-school teacher Judy maintained her Registered Nurses license with continuing education studies centered on the topic of child abuse. Above all, Judy gave full support and encouragement in her husband’s ministry at Grace congregation. Judy and Dave enjoyed leading four tours to Europe, including visits in Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Czech Republic, Turkey, Greece and Italy. Both Judy and Dave retired in December of 1998. In the community, Judy was an active member of the South Davis Elementary, Carter Junior High and Arlington High PTAs. She received the Honorary Life Membership award. Judy helped Pastor Joeckel in the founding of Arlington Charities, and the Heart of Arlington Neighborhood Association. Judy served as the Crime Watch Chairman in their neighborhood. She also served with her husband on the Texas District’s 100^th Anniversary Task Force and as Special Assistants to the President of the Lutheran Social Services of the South, having the special responsibility of telling the story of the Nelson Treatment Center, an agency serving neglected and abused children.

The Lord blessed Judy and Pastor’s marriage with four children, Lynn (Randy) Joeckel Andersen, David (Reecanne) Joeckel, Bill (Tracy) Joeckel, and Mark Joeckel.  Judy held a special place in her heart for her grandchildren:  Randall, Krista and Lauren Andersen, David, Sarah, Matt and Luke Joeckel; Christian Joeckel; and Jordan, Hannah and Christian Joeckel.  Additionally, ten great-grandchildren were born to Pastor and Judy: Trip and Ava Andersen; Hudson Pease; Mary, Molly Kate and James Joeckel; Clay Skrove; Oliver Joeckel; and Hank and Avery Joeckel.

Visitation will be on Tuesday, October 25, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Wade Family Funeral Home, 4140 W. Pioneer Parkway, Arlington, Texas 76013.  The funeral will be held on Wednesday, October 26, at 11:00 a.m. at Grace Lutheran Church, 210 W. Park Row, Arlington, Texas 76010.  A graveside service will follow at Moore Memorial Gardens, 1219 N. Davis, Arlington, Texas 76012.  Pallbearers are David Joeckel, Matt Joeckel, Luke Joeckel, Kenny Skrove, and Christian Joeckel.

All are welcome to celebrate Judy Joeckel at Create Arlington, 306 W. Main Street, Arlington TX 76010 after the graveside service.