Judy Chiolino

Judy Chiolino, a beloved member of the Minocqua community and the heart of Mama’s Restaurant for decades, passed away on March 12, 2025, at the age of 84, surrounded by her loving family.

Born on October 24, 1940, to Irvin and Genevieve (Ted and Jenny) Dittburner, Judy grew up in Milwaukee, and graduated from Bay View High School. She first came to the Northwoods on vacations during her high school years, never imagining that it would become her forever home. In 1960, she moved from Milwaukee to Minocqua with her then-husband, Ronald Milbrath, adjusting to life away from the city. Though she initially found it challenging, the Northwoods soon won her heart.

Judy’s life changed when she began working as a waitress at Mama’s Supper Club, a beloved family restaurant, where she met Tom Chiolino. The two fell in love and, after three years of courtship, married, blending their families together. They never spoke of “yours” or “mine” — only of their children as one family.

Judy worked alongside Tom at Mama’s, becoming an integral part of its legacy. She managed the front of the house, handled scheduling and advertising, and greeted customers with warmth and kindness. She had a deep appreciation for the restaurant’s history and cherished stories of “Mama” Chiolino, who started it all. Even after Tom’s passing in 1994, Judy remained connected to Mama’s, witnessing its transition to the next generation.

Beyond the restaurant, Judy’s energy went into her family and friends. She adored her children and grandchildren and took every opportunity to spend time with them. She was a devoted daughter, sibling, wife, mother, grandmother, and a friend to many, as well as a caregiver to those in need, including her parents, husband Tom, sister-in-law Irene, and her sister Carol, with whom she shared an especially close relationship. She also loved spending time with her friends, laughing out loud, cooking family dinners, playing cards, reading Steven King and mystery novels, tending to her plants, and caring for her pets who were her family too! Later in life she loved doing the annual snowbird dance between Wisconsin and Florida together with her dear friend Linn Balliet who she met in Rotunda West, Fla.

Judy’s love for the Northwoods endured throughout her life. She found joy in its changing seasons, the company of her family, and pets, and the warmth of friendships that lasted a lifetime. Her giving soul was always available to give a smile to a stranger, a listening ear to a friend, and words of encouragement to her family. She touched so many, many lives, and never expected anything in return. Her laughter, storytelling, and dedication to family and community will be deeply missed.

She was preceded in death by her parents Ted and Jenny, her sister Carol Schauer, her brother Mark Dittburner, her husband Thomas, and her dear friend, Linn Balliet. She is survived by her children, Michael Chiolino (Lori), James Chiolino (Terry Svaglic), Anthony Chiolino (Cheryl), Jeffrey Milbrath (Judy Mitchell), and Cara Hofmeyer (John); by her grandchildren, Matthew Chiolino (Kayla), Kelsey Hinterleitner (James), Kyle Vernon, Adam Milbrath, Kaylin Chiolino (Paul Valukas), Jessica Hofmeyer, Tasha Vernon, Megan Milbrath, Krysta Hofmeyer, Casey Vernon, Ryan Milbrath, and Tommy Hofmeyer; and by her great-grandchildren, Nora Hinterleitner, Dominic Chiolino, Alice Hinterleitner, and Lincoln Chiolino.

Her journey through life, once described as a “wild ride,” now finds its peaceful rest.

A celebration of life service will be held on Saturday, March 29, at St. Matthias Church. 403 E. Chicago Ave. Minocqua, WI 54548. Visitation will be held from 9 until 11:30 a.m. The service will begin at 11:30 a.m. and a luncheon will follow.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association (www.alz.org), the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (www.alzfdn.org) or any hospice care organization. Bolger Cremation and Funeral Services is assisting the family, www.bolgerfuneral.com for condolences.