Obituary for Judith Ann Krol

The Star is gone.

Judith Ann (Bastian) Krol, wife, mother and grandmother from Westerville, Ohio went to be with the Lord this August 29, 2023 in Savannah, Georgia after a wonderful family gathering in Sea Pines, South Carolina. A loving, artistic and devoted 80 year old, Judy always thought of her family first.

Born in Evergreen Park, Illinois to a strong Bastian family, she developed into a beautiful independent woman. Raised in a religious Catholic family, she developed a strong devotion to the Lord.

She graduated from Mother McCauley High School, then went to Clarke University in Dubuque, Iowa. Received a Bachelors Degree with honors in Drama and Theatre and while there developed her love of the Arts both performing and creative.

Judy went on to graduate school at Indiana University in Bloomington and pursued a degree in Radio Television. It was there at Indiana that she met and fell in love with her husband of 54 years, Edward. In their commutes from school to home, they became close and engaged on the campus. Always trying to accomplish more, Judy went on to get an MBA at Akron University.

After Indiana, they moved back to Chicago and were married in a beautiful June wedding. Judy worked for a large Chicago advertising agency where she handled the commercial spots for NFL Football. She was a rising “star” at the Agency. That is where her husband gave her the nickname “Star”.

She continued to work in Chicago while Edward served in Vietnam. Always a dedicated employee, she developed into an assistant producer and worked on many radio and television commercials. After an extended separation thanks to the military, Judy and Ed were able to get together for R&R in wonderful Hawaii. It was on this reunion she and Ed developed their love of travel. The two of them visited California, Florida, New Orleans, Washington DC, New York, Denver and Vancouver and many places in between. Even in her eighties, she and her husband continued to travel on two magnificent trips to Europe.

Judy was a wonderful mother who was blessed with twin daughters, Stacey and Elaine and made parenting twin daughters look effortless. She always liked to take the girls out in their dual seated stroller. Living in a multi-story apartment in Springfield, Illinois, she often rode down the elevator with the Governor who at the time was also living in the building. His security guards often assisted Judy and the girls on and off the elevator.

Throughout her life her children and family came first but her creative passions were always a part of her. She developed a real talent for designing and creating artistic quilts and weaving many beautiful scarves and rugs on her looms. She produced many commissioned pieces. She also created many gorgeous pieces of art for her home that were admired by visitors.

Judy will always be remembered for her loving consideration for others. She refused to have anything but good thoughts for others as the Lord wanted.

Judy will be missed by her husband Edward, daughters Stacey Lanker (Jon) and Elaine Pope (Greg). As well as her grandchildren Alex and Emily Pope and Abby and Bryson Lanker. She also will be missed by her dog Cosmo.

A huge part of Judy’s life was her relationship with her siblings of which she was the “Matriarch” including brothers Phil Bastian and Richard Bastian (Sandy) and her sister Connie Lawlor. Judy’s many nieces and nephews loved her very much.

The final tribute to our Loving Judy will be at the Hill Funeral Home, 220 South State Street, Westerville, Ohio 43081 on Wednesday, September 6th from 4 to 6 pm. Her Mass will be at St. Paul’s Catholic Church the following morning at 10:30 am followed by internment at Resurrection Cemetery, 9571 High Street, Lewis Center, Ohio 43035.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Dominican Friars Central Province, 1910 South Ashland Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60608.