Julie Lynn (Lovell) Kowalewski, 56 of McGregor, Iowa passed away Tuesday, September 22, 2026 at Gundersen Hospital in La Crosse, Wisconsin. Julie was born January 18, 1970 to Richard and Lorna (Larson) Lovell in Elkhorn, Wisconsin. She was baptized and confirmed at St. Paul Lutheran Church in McGregor, Iowa. Julie graduated from Mar-Mac High School with the Class of 1988.
Two children were born to Julie, a daughter Jessica and son, Kalen. Â In her younger years, Julie enjoyed having fun and spending time with family and friends. Julie was married to Rick Backes, they later divorced. Julie was then united in marriage with Edward Kowalewski. Her journey through life was not without its struggles, and at times those challenges created distance between her and the people she loved. In her final days, they found their way back to one another, sharing precious moments and finding peace.
Surviving Julie are her two children, Jessica (Connor) Soenksen of Monona, Iowa and Kalen (Marissa) Backes of Amana, Iowa; parents, Richard and Lorna Lovell of Decorah, Iowa; five grandchildren, Aiden, Braxton, Collins, Quinn and Evren; her brother, Terry Lovell of McGregor, Iowa; and her beloved dog, Sadie.
Preceding Julie in death was her husband, Edward Kowalewski; grandparents, Arnold and Nora Larson and Charles and Amy Lovell; and several aunts and uncles, including her special aunt, Donell Larson.
A Visitation will be held from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm on Saturday, October 3, 2026 at the Monona Community Center in Monona, Iowa.
Leonard-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Monona, Iowa is assisting the family with arrangements.