Judith C. Pelz

Judith C. (Hoyne) Pelz, 93, of Lake Holiday, Somonauk, IL (formerly of Elmhurst, IL) passed away on Tuesday, September 15, 2026. She was born December 28, 1932, in Chicago, IL, the eldest of Julius and Grace (Herrick) Hoyne.

Judy appreciated her Catholic education including her time at Holy Family Academy High School in Chicago. As a young adult she enjoyed dancing and attended a Valentine’s Day Dance in Bucktown, where she waltzed her way into the heart of her lifelong dance partner, Edwin Pelz. They married on September 26, 1953, in Chicago and spent the next 70 years building a life and family together.

Judy was a fiercely devoted wife, a loving mother, and a cherished grandmother and great-grandmother. She immersed herself in her children’s lives, faithfully attending countless school, sports and scouting activities. With ten children and a full schedule, Judy became a master organizer, always prepared for whatever her family might need. Alongside Ed, Judy treasured family camping trips and vacations, embracing their shared love of nature. She quietly handled the packing, meals and car-ride games. She even designated a special suitcase for the family’s church clothes. In keeping with family tradition, no matter how rugged the campsite, Judy somehow produced an extensive Sunday brunch after Mass.

Every day Judy lived sacrificial love without complaint, never expecting acknowledgement, nor anything in return. From little things like settling for the end of the coffee cake with no filling or icing, to larger things like facing her very real fear of water with quiet courage, so the family could enjoy many sailboat rides together.

In 1994 Judy and Ed moved to their lakefront home, where Judy poured her energy and love into creating a welcoming place where generations of family and friends have gathered to make many fond memories together.

Judy is survived by her children, Edwin (Ellen) Pelz of Bloomingdale, IL, Teresa Heuer of Sandwich, IL, Brian (Lori) Pelz of Carol Stream, IL, Dennis Pelz of Lombard, IL, Edith (Nick) Cinfio of Somonauk, IL, Steven (Kathleen) Pelz of Carol Stream, IL, Debra (Scott) Surmin of Hampshire, IL, Laura (James) Soderberg of Cohasset, MA, Pamela (John) Fordon of Huntingdon, TN, and son-in-law, John Mosher of Sandwich, IL. Judy is the beloved grandmother of 24 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren, and dear aunt to several nieces and nephews. The family is profoundly grateful to Sally and Tinee for the dedication and compassionate care they provided to Judy the past two years.

Judy was preceded in death by her parents, Grace and Julius Hoyne; son, Martin Pelz; daughter, Linda Mosher; son-in-law, Dave Heuer; brothers, Tom and Jim Hoyne; and nephew, Jeff Hoyne.

Visitation will be from 3:00 to 8:00 pm on Sunday, September 20, 2026, at Turner-Eighner Funeral Home in Somonauk, IL. Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 am on Monday, September 21, 2026, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Somonauk, celebrated by Father Joseph Naill. Burial will follow at St. John the Baptist Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in Judy’s memory can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or St. John the Baptist Catholic Church. For more information or to sign the online guestbook go to www.EighnerFuneralHomes.com 

Turner-Eighner Funeral Home

13160 W. Rt 34 ~ P.O. Box 404 

Somonauk, IL 60552 

815-498-2363