Condolence: Julia was a remarkable person of faith. I could sit and listen to her for hours tell stories about growing up in Ukraine and Germany and the beautiful life she and John made for their family and with their neighbors in West Saint Paul. She was one of the most hospitable persons I know, always getting me a cup of coffee and offering me treats from the Ukrainian deli in Minneapolis. I was most humbled by the trust she gave to me. -Nathan Baker-Trinity (Chaplain at Prelude, 2017-2018)

Condolence: Julie was an empath, a caretaker and a party starter, for me.

I have a couple of favorite memories I’d like to share. Also, my “Julie memories” include her husband John.

The first time I met her was shortly after Steve and I got engaged.

I was nervous. I knew of the trials and tribulations they went through to bring my future husband’s family to this county.

When you start picturing your life with someone… you want to be worthy not only of them, but of the people who raised them. You want to be accepted by their family you want to click with them; as you’ll be helping pass on a family legacy.

I was so worked up with anxiety by the time we arrived at their home that I quickly excused myself to the bathroom. (Ya’ know to give myself a pep talk.)

When I walked out, John and Julie were lining up shot glasses on the counter.

It was so funny and also a new tradition to me. Instantly I laughed and felt at ease.

They made me feel like there was nothing to prove. Like I was part of the family already.

After I took the shot, Julie quickly judged that I needed sausage to go with it. She watched me closely as I ate it. I could tell that it brought her joy to see me enjoying it.

My second favorite memory… was at our wedding. Julie and John went to the WRONG place first … but they didn’t care. They witnessed a gay wedding… and thought it was Steve and I.

They thankfully joined us at the reception.

Thank you for the memories and the family, Julie. You are missed. - Christine

Condolence: In the 36 years that I was lucky enough to know my great aunt Julie, I saw her cook and serve massive lunches for our entire church. I watched her lead dances with all of her grandchildren. I witnessed her shovel Minnesota snow with the strength of a lumberjack.

But one thing I never saw from Julie… was anger or frustration. She carried on like the happiest woman in the world. Julie may not have been rich in money, but she was certainly rich in spirit and positivity.

The version of Julie I will always remember is that of a joyful helper at church gatherings. An apron wrapped around her waist, sleeves rolled up, surrounded by a flock of other women, telling stories and cracking jokes in a Ukrainian language I didn’t understand. I never exactly knew what she was saying in those circles, but the loud, spontaneous laughs she got, reverberating through the entire church, told me plenty; Julie was the life of the party, and everything was better when she was around.

-Stephen Austin Kuzj