Mrs. Judith A. “Judy” Greek, 85, of Galesburg, Illinois, died at 3:40 p.m. Wednesday, October 14, 2026, at Seminary Manor in Galesburg.
She was born on August 17, 1941, in Dubuque, Iowa, to Roy and Ethel (Grosse) Degnan. She married John Marshall in 1964. She later married Ron Greek on October 20, 2001, in Galesburg.
Surviving are her husband, Ron Greek of Galesburg; two daughters, Julie (and Tony) Tonn of Davenport, Iowa, and Jenny Marshall of Morton, Illinois; two stepsons, Milton “Milt” (and Connie) Greek of Athens, Ohio, and Matthew (and Carol) Greek of Jacksonville, Texas; a granddaughter, Emily Tonn; two step-grandchildren, Ben (and Lauren) Greek and Andy (and Lisa) Greek; six great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents and a stepson, Marcus Greek.
Judy graduated from Rock Falls High School in 1959. She continued her education at Eureka College, earning her bachelor’s degree in 1963, and later received her master’s degree in biochemistry from the University of Illinois Chicago in 1966.
Judy worked as a biochemistry professor at Eureka College in Eureka, Illinois, for 13 years. She later worked as a chemist at Dailey Analytical in Peoria, Illinois, before becoming a chemist for the Galesburg Sanitary District, where she worked for several years before retiring in 2006.
An avid bridge player, Judy achieved the rank of Silver Life Master. She and her husband, Ron, enjoyed traveling across the country to participate in bridge tournaments. Judy also had a deep appreciation for the environment and was a certified Master Naturalist. Judy generously gave her time to several organizations. She volunteered for the National Stearman Fly-In, the Carl Sandburg State Historic Site, and WTVP Channel 47 auction events. She was also a member of the CLIO Study Group.
A devoted sports fan, Judy enjoyed cheering on the Chicago Bears, Chicago Blackhawks, and Peoria Rivermen. She was also a cat lover, especially devoted to her beloved cat, “Princess Wam Wam.” Above all, Judy treasured spending time with her family.
As Judy requested, cremation will be accorded. A Celebration of Life visitation will be held from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Friday, October 30, 2026, at the OAKS Senior Center, 176 N. Farnham St., Galesburg. Memorials may be made to the Carl Sandburg State Historic Site, WTVP Channel 47, or the OAKS Senior Center.
Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Services, Galesburg Chapel, is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be shared at www.h-p-w.com.
