OCALA, FL – Judy Orbesen Mielenz, 64 of Ocala, FL, passed away suddenly at her home Sunday, September 26, 2021. Judy was born and raised in Barrington, IL, the daughter of Margaret H. Orbesen and the late Robert L. Orbesen. Judy was the owner of Judy’s Tack Shop that she established in 1982 and resided for many years in Germantown, TN, and Nashville, TN. Judy served many other horse shows around the country with her mobile stores. She was an avid and accomplished equestrian who enjoyed gardening, spending time with family, and traveling. She was very dedicated to serving the horse community, and in her love for animals.
Judy is survived by her son Christopher R. (Laura) Mielenz of Germantown, TN; her mother Margaret H. Orbesen of Palm City, FL; her brother Robert (Karen) Orbesen of Coral Springs, FL; her nephew Eric (Lauren) Orbesen; her great nephews Thor and Bear Orbesen of Coral Springs, FL; and great niece Hailey Orbesen of Wauwatosa, WI. She was predeceased by her father Robert L. Orbesen, brother Richard Orbesen, niece Amy Orbesen and nephew James Orbesen.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date in Germantown, TN and Barrington, IL. To leave a message of condolence for the family, please visit HansFuneralHome.com.
Cindy Haverty
Oh my how Judy will be missed. Her kindness to myself and my Mom has never been forgotten. Not to mention the incredible tack shop she ran always with the best of tack and supplies. Her kindness and love of the animals will not be forgotten. To Neighbor Chris I am just so heartbroken for you as well and Laura.
Emily Green
I’m so sorry for your loss. I fondly remember the incredible way she cared for animals. My earliest memory is when she kept baby wallabies and let me hold and bottle feed them at a horse show! She would even “let me” play at being a grown up and watch her store and animals while she’d run an errand across the show. She had such patience and genuine interest in seeing me learn and grow and I’ll always remember her for that.
Harry and Donna Harwell
We are deeply saddened by the loss of Judy. We lived next to her for almost 20 years in Collierville. Judy introduced my family to horses and sold us our pony. Judy loved my two girls and it was always fun to visit her tack shop. Our prayers are with Chris and the family.
Nancy Steiner
I am so sorry for your loss.. it is my wish that your memories of Judy with bring you great comfort. She was very kind to Lauren and I as we started our adventure into the horse world. We loved exploring her stores on the road or in Germantown. She will be known as such a blessing. Please accept our condolences.
ANNE ROSS
I am shocked and saddened to hear of Judy’s sudden and tragic death. She and I rode at the same barn in our teens and went to many horse shows together. I saw her a few years ago with her tack trailer in Ohio. I will always remember her as a beautiful equestrian with her horse, Simone. They were an unbeatable pair. My sincere condolences to her family and those who loved her. RIP Judy
Janice Kilpatrick
We have such good memories of Judy. She was coming to our daughter’s wedding but had to go to the hospital that day to have Chris! She brought us a very heavy concrete Fox dressed in his hunting attire one Christmas Eve. We still have him. She was good to our whole family. We loved you , Judy. Condolences to her family and to all who will miss her.
Tameron Petersen
I am deeply saddend by the loss of Judy. She was a kind soul and never hesitated to help me out when I needed. My best memory is when she opened up her farm to me once year in Ocala when I needed a place to stay. She will be greatly missed.
Lisa Silvestri
We are so shocked to hear this happened to Judy. Living down the street from her in Collierville, was a dream come true for our kids. Judy was so generous and patient with our kids who spent many hours in her barn and pastures. Her wallabies with joeys were a favorite for us all. God be with you, Judy.