Former Daily Cardinal student newspaper society editor Judith Temby died on Feb. 21, 2026 at the age of 83 at her Mount Horeb home.
Judith was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on November 3, 1942. Her parents were Dr. Gregory Langenfeld and Margaret Langenfeld (Karn). Judith grew up in Theresa, attended Mayville High School and graduated in 1960.
Judith graduated with a BA Degree in Political Science from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1964. She was a member of Phi Kappa Phi and Sigma Epsilon Sigma Honorary Sororities, a member of Chi Omega Sorority, society editor of the student newspaper, “The Daily Cardinal,” and involved in other student activities.
Her varied work experience included working in the executive office for Governors Patrick J. Lucey and Martin Schreiber; a real estate broker; and in June 1980 became the secretary of the UW Board of Regents — a position she held for 29 years until her retirement in 2009.
Judith was married on June 18, 1966, to John (Jack) Temby. After some years they felt that their marriage was incomplete without the experience of raising a family. In 1989 Judith and Jack traveled to Colombia, South America, to adopt three sisters, Claudia, age 9, Sandra, age 7, and Heydi, aged 1. Judith’s life changed dramatically once the new family started. As is the case with many moms today, Judith had to balance her professional career with being a mom. She did it successfully with endless energy and love.
Survivors include her sister, Kristin Langenfeld (Douglas Dykman) of Farmington, New Mexico; her brother, Peter Langenfeld (Laurie Sampson) of Poway, Calif.; her husband, Jack; daughters, Claudia, Sandra and Heydi; granddaughter, Cecily Chong; and nephews and nieces.
A visitation will be held at Gunderson Camacho Mount Horeb Funeral & Cremation Care, 500 N. Eighth St., Mount Horeb, from 4-7 p.m. on Thursday, March 5, 2026.
Memorials may be made to UW Carbone Cancer Center, Doctors Without Borders or Iowa County Humane Society.
