Judy Ann Kestenholtz
Lansing, MI
Judy (Sellek) Kestenholtz passed at the age of 76 on March 26, 2018. She was born in Lansing, Michigan, and remained there most of her life. She met her husband, Tom, in high school and he preceded her in death in 2014.
She is survived by her children, Sam (Vanessa) and Lyn (Jeff), her brother Jim (Barb), and many nieces and nephews.
Judy was a proud graduate of Michigan State University earning her degree in Education in 1964. During her distinguished career as an Educator in the Lansing and Waverly school districts she positively impacted the lives of hundreds through her teaching, mentoring and development of children of all ages. For her efforts in education she was recognized in the Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers. She was a community business leader as an owner and operator of both Spartan and Jackson Speedways. Judy was also active in community service volunteering at many local organizations including; the MSU College Women’s Volunteer Service, Meals-on-Wheels, the Jean Granger clinic, and the Cristo Rey Center.
Her spirit will live on in the many lives she touched through her love, generosity and kindness.
The funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, April 9, 2018, at The Peoples Church, 200 W. Grand River Ave., East Lansing, MI. Her family will receive friends beginning at 12:00 p.m. on Monday, April 9th. Arrangements are by the Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel.
Enriching children through the fine arts was a big part of Judy’s life. In her memory the Family kindly asked that in lieu of flowers please make a donation to the MSU Community Music School.
14 Messages to “Judy Ann Kestenholtz”
Print MessagesPlease Sign The Guestbook
Bryan Manion
March 29, 2018 at 3:41 pmI am so sorry for your loss and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Stephanie Benson
March 29, 2018 at 3:41 pmLyn – I am so sorry to hear the news. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family! Don’t hesitate to reach out if you need anything at all.
Jennifer johns English
March 30, 2018 at 1:36 amThinking of you Lyn and Sam. I have fond memories of her in my childhood:) Hugs!
Daniel G. Pappas
April 2, 2018 at 12:26 pmSam & Lyn,
I have so many positive and warm memories your Mom.
She has been an inspiration to so many and to me.
Her creative, passionate, caring and unique ooutlook on life and actions will be missed but not forgotten.
I know how much she loved you both and was always proud of you both.
I’m sending my deepest sympathy and love to you both.
Unfortunately we are out of state and will not be able to attend the service but will be with you in spirit.
Sincerely,
Dan Pappas
Rob McLean
March 30, 2018 at 7:33 amMrs K was such a kind and awesome lady. The world needs more people like her in it. Her encouragement of kids and pursuing their dreams was constant and contagious. She was a great teacher in the classroom to be sure, but I remember her much more for the out of classroom behavior. She never had a bad word to say about anyone or anything and she seemed to genuinely be concerned about every person.
My condolences to Sammy, Lyn and the rest of the family.
“Do not say with grief that she is no more but say with gladness that she was”.
Alice (Fritch) Bernal
March 30, 2018 at 9:27 amMom to us all. Judy is a beautiful soul who’s physical presence will be missed and her enduring love will be felt by all who were better for knowing her, which is to say, all who came into contact her.
Lorena Soto
March 30, 2018 at 12:08 pmI’m so sorry for your loss. May you find strength and comfort in your faith. From the reading it sounds like she led a great life and positively impacted many. What a wonderful example to emulate. Blessings to all of you during this time.
Bill and Mary Miller
March 30, 2018 at 12:20 pmSammy and Vanessa rejoice that your Mother is Celebrating Jesus with our Lord and Savior.
May you be comforted in this knowledge. Love to the family.
Tori Canillas-Dufau
March 30, 2018 at 2:10 pmSammy and Vanessa, may God give you and the rest of the family strength and peace during this most difficult time.
Cristie (Micale) Fuller
March 30, 2018 at 9:19 pmLyn and Sam,
My deepest sympathy to you both. Your mom was a terrific woman. I have such fond childhood memories of her. She was always so thoughtful, enthusiastic, and fun to be around. I always admired how she encouraged you to pursue your dreams. Praying for comfort and strength for you and your family during this difficult time.
Joseph Pratt
April 2, 2018 at 10:18 pmI subbed for Judy many times in the portable at Elmwood. She always had great lesson plans and I enjoyed working with her classes.Thoughts and prayers for the family.
Lori Stillman
April 3, 2018 at 9:38 amLyn,
I am so very sorry for your loss and the hurt your heart feels with her passing. Your steadfast care and support has been an inspiration to many and I can only imagine the comfort your Mom felt knowing you were there every step of the way. May happy memories fill the void she leaves. You – and your entire family – remain in my prayers.
Sue (Holbrook) Flintz
April 7, 2018 at 6:20 pmLyn and Sam,
I was so sorry to hear of your loss. Even though I didn’t see your Mom much in recent years, I have many fond memories of the years we worked together. She was truly an inspiration to me and I give her credit for the degree I finally finished. She was the one to encourage me to complete it, and was there for me all the way. And I enjoyed the time I spent with you two at Spartan Speedway when you were quite young! Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
MICHAEL AND ELLEN LEVIN
April 10, 2018 at 4:35 pmDear Sam:
Even though I never met your mother just by reading about her I can tell that we lost one
smart and big hearted woman. She has definitely been reflected in your actions and may you keep those great memories of your mom in your heart every day and continue to be the person you are.