Jewell "Judy" Frances Preis

Jewell Frances “Judy” Preis of Lakeland, Florida passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 10, 2026 at the age of 81, in her home surrounded by her loving family. She was born on February 25, 1945 in St. Louis, Missouri where She grew up as Judy Blattner, until her marriage to Michael Preis on June 16, 1967.

She graduated from St. Francis de Sales Grade School in 1959, Rosati-Kain High School in 1963, and De Paul Hospital School of Nursing in 1968, earning her Register Nurse (RN) credential. As the family grew and moved, she employed her nursing skills in such places as Corpus Christi, TX, St. Mary’s County, MD, Hackensack, NJ, Granite City, IL, Quincy, IL, finally settling in Miami, Florida. She spent the vast majority of those years In Cardiac Intensive Care Units and the last few years in Imaging before retiring. Caring for others was unquestionably her calling, and she loved every minute of patient care. In 2013, she and “Mick” retired to Lakeland, Florida.

She was preceded in death by her Mother, Clara Blattner, and her siblings, Fr. Joseph Blattner, Lorraine Caulfield, Doris Blattner, and Billie Miller. Judy was the youngest of the Blattner children. She was also preceded in death by her Nephew James Caulfield and her Niece Mary Brady, who were like siblings as they grew up together.

She is survived by Her loving and adoring Husband of 59 years, Michael Preis, her daughter Nicole Wood (Thomas), her son Joseph Preis (Julie). She is also survived by eight grandchildren, Nicholas Wood, Nicklas Bernard, Haylee Bernard, Abigail Wood, Joey Preis, Kayla Preis, Ava Preis and Juliana Preis. Additionally by her Niece Barbara Johnson (George), Her Nephew William Caulfield, and numerous beloved extended family members in the Preis, Blattner/Caulfield, Washeck, Johnson, Brady, Wood and Brooks Clans and all their progeny.

Judy was a ray of light on the world, with an infectious and beautiful smile, a cheerful disposition, and a willingness to meet anyone and engage them in conversation. She was completely down-to-earth and could connect easily with people from all walks of life. Judy was an immediate friend to everyone she met. She was a most kind, loving and compassionate woman and she brought so much joy to the lives of those around her. An experienced traveler, she was always open to visiting new places and meeting new people, and she looked at each new adventure like a child first discovering the world.

She greatly loved and unabashedly adored her immediate and extended family. She was “Happiest” when she was with her Family and Friends. The Universe has lost a bright and shining light.

I AM ALWAYS WITH YOU”

“A limb has fallen from the family tree,

that says, Grieve not for me.

Remember the best times, the laughter, the song.

The good life I lived while I was strong”…..author unknown

Family and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Life, at 10:00 am, on July 11, 2026, at the First United Methodist Church, 72 Lake Morton Drive, Lakeland, Florida 33801. A reception will follow at the Church Welcome Center where everyone is encouraged to share their favorite stories about Judy. Refreshments will be served.

For those unable to attend, the service will be live streamed on the following:

Church website: https://www.firstumc.org/funeral-service/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FUMCLKLD

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/firstumc

The links will go live about 5 minutes before the service and will be permanently archived on the church website.