Judy Frels Semmler

Judy Frels Semmler, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, friend, and nurse, passed away peacefully on August 8th at the age of seventy-five. She was born in Seguin, Texas on March 27, 1951 to Leo Frels and Estelle Frels Hill.

Judy was the oldest daughter but third born of eight children in the Frels family. She was incredibly close to her siblings, perhaps due to the close quarters on Ireland Street, but it didn't end there. Throughout her life, her brothers and sisters, along with her siblings-in-law, remained among her closest friends.

She attended St. James Catholic Church then Seguin High School where she met and eventually married her high school sweetheart and true love John Semmler. Married for more than fifty-five years, they grew closer together, not apart. From the early years as a bowling duo to playing co-ed softball with Judy as the star pitcher, their lives were interwoven from the start. They camped together (seemingly never checking the weather before),they attended concerts together (a table at the Mucky Duck was a regular date spot), they even knew how to be still together — most often on a patio letting an afternoon drift by. Everywhere they went, they built family out of friends, and they spent their retirement in what they lovingly dubbed "Kingsbury East." They modeled what a committed marriage looks like.

Judy and John had four children. Judy poured her life into her daughters. She was there for all of it: soccer, swimming, cheer, dance, cross country, gymnastics. And later, for the things that came after: careers, husbands, children, pets. She was patient. She listened. She wanted a deep and meaningful relationship with each of her girls, and was successful in doing so.

As a natural caregiver, she made her career as a labor and delivery nurse at The Woman’s Hospital of Texas. She practiced with compassion and selflessness—from handmaking bereavement boxes for families who lost children during childbirth so no parent would leave the hospital empty-handed to covering shifts during natural disasters and working nearly every Christmas Day so her colleagues with young families could be home with their children. There was no other person like Judy.

Judy had a passion for travel that always brought a spark of joy to her life. Whether it was visiting her favorite places in Texas or traveling around the world, she found delight in the simple things. Walking the coast in Rockport with her beloved dog Monte. Taking a dip in the Guadalupe River in McQueeney. Watching for shooting stars from a riverbank in Wimberley. Enjoying a sunset in Kingsbury. These are the moments Judy loved best. That same spirit led her around the world wandering the streets of Prague, taking in the coastline of Portugal, marveling at the glaciers of Alaska and soaking up the sun in Mexico. Wherever she went, she went with curiosity and an open heart, and she went in good company.

To know Judy was to feel loved. She was an extraordinary mother and even better Omi to her six grandchildren. She made ordinary moments feel like occasions and built traditions her family will carry forever. With Christmas as her favorite, she hosted an annual Semmler Christmas Eve party along with a cookie decorating party, both not complete without Bing Crosby on repeat and Judy singing along. It is with big shoes to fill that her parties will continue, her spirit living on, her children knowing she is singing and preparing in just another room.

Judy is survived by her husband of fifty-five years, John; her children Erin Semmler Lehnert and spouse Cory Don Lehnert, Emily Elizabeth Semmler, Amanda Kate Switalski and spouse Brian Robert Switalski, Kate Semmler Cornelius and spouse Trey Cornelius; and her cherished grandchildren Jack William Lehnert, Sarah Elizabeth Lehnert, William Gready "Gray" Cornelius, John "Cooper" Cornelius, Andrew Frels Cornelius and Benjamin Frels Cornelius; siblings, Jack Frels and partner Katherine Metzger, Stephen Frels, Terry Buck and husband Dee, Mary Briers and husband Lewis, Chris Frels and wife Sharon, and Tony Frels and wife Harriette; brother-in-law, Rob Gordon; sister-in-law, Suzy Wilson; numerous nieces, nephews, other loving family members, and a host of friends including her beloved Seguin High School Class of 1969.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Leo Frels and Estelle Frels Hill, and her sister, Jan Frels Gordon.

With a warm smile and a giving heart, Judy touched the world with laughter and kindness. Her legacy of deep love and unwavering integrity will shine through her family and everyone blessed to know her.

Visitation will begin Saturday, August 29, 2026, at 9 a.m. at St. James Catholic Church in Seguin, with the recitation of the Holy Rosary at 9:30 a.m. followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. A reception will follow at the Red Barn at 250 Cordova Rd, Seguin, TX 78155.

Memorial contributions may be made to Memorials Processing, St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Pl., Memphis, Tn, 38105-9959 or to Angel Babies Matter Network.