Judith Ann `Judy` Fitch

Judith Ann “Judy” Schara Fitch passed away on Thursday, May 15, 2025 in Reedsburg. Judy was born on May 16, 1939 to Margaret Heiser Schara and Harold Roy Schara in Baraboo, Wisconsin. She attended Lyons Grade School in what is now known as West Baraboo and graduated from Baraboo High School in 1957.

She married Cedric Fitch, Sr. on February 7, 1959.  Together, they had two sons:  Cedric Fitch and Dennis Fitch, and divorced 5 years later.

Judy then met the love of her life in July of 1966.  From this union, they had a son, Timothy, who was born on February 17, 1968.

Judy was employed in the Finance Department at Baraboo Food Products, which later became known as Sysco Food Services of Baraboo, from September 1969 until July 4, 2003.

She truly loved BFP-Sysco and especially enjoyed being Mrs. Claus for the Santa for Kids Program. Through Baraboo Food Products-Sysco, Judy developed many long-lasting friendships and fond memories.

When her sons Cedric and Dennis attended West School, Judy served as treasurer for the PTA. When her son Timothy attended St. Joseph’s School in Baraboo, Judy became very involved in working Bingo and as a Money Counter for 14 years.

When St. Josephs began their famous Friday night fish fry, she was the cashier-bookkeeper for the first 14 years.

Judy joined the Daughters of Isabella, a spiritual women’s church group, in 1988 and held the officer positions of; scribe, recording secretary, vice regent and regent.

Judy was a die-hard fan of the Milwaukee Braves in the 1950s and was especially proud of getting the autograph of “Hammerin Hank Aaron”.  She also was fortunate enough to obtain the autograph of Billy Bruton, George Crowe, Frank Torre, Chuck Tanner, Andy Pafko and one of the announcers for the Braves, Blaine Walsh.  Judy has kept all the memorabilia from the Braves era in Milwaukee.

Judy had a special love of American History, and her real-life dream was realized when in June of 2003 she and family members vacationed in Washington D.C. Judy always prided herself on being able to name all the presidents in order of their term in office.

Judy, along with her mother, brother and sister-in-law also vacationed in Branson, Missouri where Judy met and had her picture taken with Roy “Dusty” Rogers Jr. and obtained his autograph on the book he had written Growing Up With Roy and Dale.
Roy Jr. informed Judy that in the last years of her life, Dale was confined to a wheelchair.  Judy had to use a walker since 2001 for mobility.  The Westerns were popular in the fifties at the Al Ringling theater and Roy Rogers was Judy’s cowboy hero.

Judy is survived by her sons, Cedric (Belle) Fitch, and Dennis Fitch; and a beloved granddaughter, Samantha (Steve) Stienmetz; great-grandchildren, Maycee Fitch, and Matthew Stienmetz; brother, Harold C. (Mary) Schara; and sister, Carol Schara.

Other survivors include, niece and God daughter, Jennifer Schara Bohen (Andy Delcore); niece, Christina Schara; special friend, Samantha Mohrbacher; and very special friends and confidents, Linda and Gary Gable.  Judy and Linda formed a special bond and friendship from day one when Linda became an employee of Baraboo Food Products.

Judy was preceded in death by her father, Harold R. Schara, a World War II veteran; mother, Margaret Heiser Schara Lucht; stepfather, Franklin Lucht; and son, Timothy Fitch.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at 11 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Baraboo. Visitation will occur at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of Mass.  Burial to follow at St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery. The Redlin-Ertz Funeral Home is assisting the family.