Judith Ann Kren

Judy was born on August 22, 1940 in St. Louis, Missouri to Harry Potter and Barbara Regina (Boyle) Lambert.  She married Paul Joseph Kren in Webster Groves, Missouri on June 7, 1968.

Judy is survived by a son, Paul, Jr. and his daughter Elsie Knowles Kren; daughter Kate Kern (husband Tim) and their children John-Morgan Lambert, Zachary Tyler, and Emma Claire; daughter Carrie Davis (husband Jack II) and their children Jack III, Molly Grace, and Hank Paul Joseph; and her great granddaughter Sophia Elizabeth Kern.

Additionally, she is survived by her treasured siblings:  sister Mary Beth Culross (husband Jim) and her children Megan and Jessye; brother Jeff Lambert (wife Valerie) and their children Matt and Kevin; sister Tina Lambert; sister Terry Truss (husband Malcolm) and their children Jenna Sandman (husband Luke) and Elizabeth Ray (husband Justin); sister Patty Tado (husband Mike) and her daughter Tara Thomas (husband Dan).  Also surviving are treasured cousins, great nieces and nephews, and her “posse” of great friends. 

Judy was preceded in death by her husband Paul, her parents, two sisters in law, Mary Ann (Logan) Kren and Mary Ann (Healy) Kren, two brothers in law William Francis Kren and Robert John Kren, and special uncle Hugh Lambert.  

Judy attended Mary Queen of Peace Grade School and Xavier High School in St. Louis, Missouri.  She studied at Clarke College in Dubuque, Iowa and graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree from Mundelein College (Loyola University) in Chicago, Illinois.  She was a member of the Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary (BVM) for nine years.

Judy taught at Our Lady of Angels in Chicago, Illinois, St Mary’s in Clinton, Iowa, Blessed Sacrament in Chicago, Illinois, Bishop Noel High School and Gavin High School in Hammond, Indiana, Mary Queen of Peace in Webster Groves, Missouri, and Cathedral and Blessed Sacrament in Springfield, Illinois.  

Judy loved spending time with her adult children, grandchildren and great granddaughter.  She loved reading, writing and traveling the world with Paul.  She and Paul were dedicated to trying all new restaurants in Springfield and beyond and spending lots of time at Barnes and Noble checking out all of the new publications and reading as many as she could.  

She had three professional and personal focuses throughout her life other than her family and friends:  those she taught, the elderly, and those who were sick and/or homeless.  Judy and Paul were best buddies in all of their lives moments - those that challenged and those that enriched.

Judy and Paul were members of St. John Vianney Parish in Sherman for many years.

In every part of her life, Judy was effortlessly selfless.  She would continuously encourage all those around her to do random acts of kindness for people who are in need.  Judy and Paul lived each day of their lives humbly and compassionately through the gospel. And teaching us all how to quietly – and without the need for recognition - feed the hungry, and shelter a stranger.

Throughout their lives, Paul and Judy did everything together, therefore, a Memorial Mass in celebration of their lives together will be held on Saturday, September 7, 2024 at 10:30 am at St. John Vianney Catholic Church, 902 St. John Drive, Sherman, Illinois, following a 9:30 am to 10:30 am visitation.  Inurnment will follow at Walnut Hill Cemetery in Williamsville.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. John’s Breadline, Kumler Food Pantry, or St. Martin dePorres.

Services are entrusted to Bisch and Son Funeral Home.  To leave a condolence or share a memory, please visit the online Life Remembered Story at www.bischandsonfuneralhome.com.