Julie Ann (Christianson) Schute, 66, of West Union, Iowa, left this earth and went to heaven on Monday, May 22, 2017, surrounded by her family at her home in West Union. Julie was born on March 31, 1951, in Preston, MN, to Henry and Marilyn (Rice) Christianson. She was born during a blizzard and her parents had to have their car pulled to the highway by a tractor. A week later, she came home from the hospital and had to be pulled back through the mud.
Julie graduated from Harmony High School, Harmony, MN, with the class of 1969. She continued her education in the clerical field, later moving to Minneapolis, MN. While living in Minneapolis, she met her husband, Ronald Schute, at a wedding on October 12, 1974. Julie and Ronald were married almost exactly a year later on October 11, 1975, in Harmony, MN. They made their home in West Union, Iowa, where they started their family and had two children, Joel and Kara.
Julie worked at the Donahue Law Office, Atwood, she provided daycare, and worked at the local grocery store, retiring after 29 years. Many people met Julie at the grocery store and loved her for her friendly and cheerful personality. She loved meeting and talking with people. Julie always had time to share pictures of her granddaughter Lainey, while chatting with her customers.
She enjoyed camping, cooking, baking her famous Christmas cut-out cookies, making lefsa, sewing, crafting, knitting, crocheting, traveling to visit family, playing cards, collecting antiques, visiting the lakes of Minnesota, riding on the pontoon, and drinking coffee with her friends. Julie enjoyed life, laughing and loving with her whole heart.
Julie was a member of the Holy Name Catholic Church in West Union, Iowa. She was in the Catholic Daughters of the Americas and the American Legion Auxiliary. You could see her around town hanging up the poppy poster or making tray favors for our veterans. Julie loved the holidays, especially Christmas. She spent days decorating her tree so that it was just right. Her Christmas tree held many memories that were precious to her. Julie was a proud wife, mother, and nana. She will be dearly missed by her family and friends.
Julie is survived by her devoted husband of forty-two years, Ronald; two children, Joel Schute, Hazleton and Kara Kebu, High Point, NC; her seven year old granddaughter, Lainey Kebu; two brothers, Allen (Sharon) Christianson and Dennis (Vicki) Christianson, both of Harmony, MN.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Marilyn (Rice) Christianson.
Visitation will be held on Friday, May 26, 2017, from 4-8 pm with a parish rosary at 4:00 pm at the Burnham-Wood-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of West Union, Iowa. Visitation will also be held one hour before mass time at the church on Saturday.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, May 27, 2017, at 1:00 pm at Holy Name Catholic Church, West Union, Iowa. The Rev. Dale Rausch will be the celebrant.
Inurnment will be held at a later date at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery, Preston, MN.
Condolences may be left with: www.graufuneralhomes.com.
Burnham-Wood-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of West Union, Iowa, are in charge of arrangements.