Julie Renae (Haldeman) Anderson, 65, of Ettrick passed away unexpectedly from natural causes on Saturday, February 26 ^th , 2022, with her loving husband and family by her side

Julie was born January 18 ^th , 1957, in Tomah, WI to Boyd Haldeman and Florence Stang.

Julie spent much of her childhood in Tomah, but also lived in South Carolina for several years.  The unfortunate passing of her dad, Boyd, at the young age of 41 brought her and her sister Cindy, back up to this area.  She graduated from Melrose-Mindoro class of 1975.  Julie went on to vocational school right after high school until life had other plans for her.  She met the love of her life Dale, in 1975 and they were united in marriage on February 12 ^th , 1977. Julie and Dale were a package deal and were hardly ever seen apart.  They had a love like no other!  They were blessed with two children, Desiree Renae and Joshua Dale.  Together they raised Desi and Josh in the same house in which they lived together for 45 years. They were a true Hallmark family. Julie not only made their house a home for her,Dale,Desi, and Josh but also for many others in the Ettrick areawho were always welcomed in.  Even after suffering the loss of her son, Joshua, her faith never wavered.

Julie and Dale's patio was always full of friends and family and was surrounded by an abundance of flowers that she proudly tended to all summer. As you walked into their home, you were greeted withthe comforting smell like she just took a freshly baked apple pie out of the oven. Julie was happiest in the kitchen, always cooking up something. There are many Ettrick town traditions that involved Julie including the Ettrick Days Annual Breakfast (otherwise known as the middle of the night food for those that have possibly had a few too many), the Ettrick Days Parade in their front yard and her annual Ettrick Days Casserole, fresh baked chocolate chip cookies for literally the entire surrounding area every Halloween, and bowls of chili too. Julie was always feeding everyone and when she made food, she made enough to feed an army. Always making sure you had enough to eat and if you left hungry it was your own darn fault! Then of course sending food home with you for later. Every child in town probably knows which cupboard you could always find a bag of fruit snacks and other treats in, and she rarely let you leave with just one.  Some of the local favorites include all other famous goodies: cookies (of course), banana bread, fudge, Christmas cornflake wreath, chili, coleslaw, macaroni salad, scalloped potatoes, strawberry rhubarb jam, mounds bars, no-bake cookies, chocolate cake, dip, radish dip, and her annual Thanksgiving dinner with the best turkey, stuffing, potatoes, green bean casserole, veggie dip, fruit salad, cream cheese cranberry bars and rutabagas that never lacked any butter.  All including the secret ingredient, LOVE! Well, not so secret because we all knew she was full of love.

Julie's purse was seemingly endless to those who knew her.  It has even been called the "Magical Purse" as it could produce literally anything one could ever need in it.  She always had "extra snacks" (fruit snacks were her favorite) for the kids, a fisherman's cough drop to share with those with a tickle, peppermints or ginger for a tummy ache, fudge on the holidays, ritz crackers, gum, hair spray, a pen for those who couldn't find one, a hair pick (or two),reading glasses, a zip lock bag of make-up, wipes, scissors, and only Julie could tell you what else.  Julie was a hugger, and it was a guarantee if you ran into her at the grocery store or somewhere else you would get a Julie smile with a hug and a chat!  For nearly 20 years she was the second home for many local children as their babysitter. The house was always full of kids, it was the neighborhood hangout also.  Julie always had activities for the kids whether it was dance parties, playing dress up, dying eggs at easter, roll out cookies for every holiday, the famous Julie playdough and many other numerous things. There for sure was never any boredom. And when that noon whistle went off those kids all knew it was nap time.

For the past 25 years Julie has worked as a Parafor the G-E-T School District at Kindernook and at Galesville Elementary where all the staff, kids, and their families would be greeted with a smile from Miss Julie, and everyone had to give her a hug.  She was a true "motherer" at heart. Julie was always encouraging, guiding and provided safe haven for all.

Everyone knew they could go to Julie for support, and she would share her words of wisdom with them. She always worried about everyone, and she wanted to make sure everyone got home safely all the time.  Many have received the "Julie lecture" about being safe while out on the town or being told it was time for them to head home, or to make sure they ate before they drank.  Whether you knew her as Julie, Hoolie, Mama, Mom, Aunt Julie, Grandma Julie, Mama Julie, Miss Julie, Mrs. Julie, or Jules she was one of the brightest lights that ever shined.  She was strong, loyal, patient, kind, and always willing to share her loving heart when someone needed it the most.  Julie made this world a better place and we all could strive to be a little bit more like her.

Joshua 1:9 was special to Julie, not only because her son's name was Joshua, but also because he was born on the 19 ^th of January. She lived by these words and often shared them with many others who she knew could use the strength.

Be strong and courageous

DO NOT BE AFRAID OR DISCOURAGED

for the Lord your God

WILL BE WITH YOU WHEREVER YOU GO

JOSHUA 1:9

Julie is also known for her faith and commitment for her church of which was shown through her dedication and devotion, including teaching Sunday School for many years and serving as the Sunday School Superintendent. Julie loved when the Sunday School kids were singing their hearts out and especially at Christmas. Julie's dear friend, Dot Scott from Georgia, shared with her the song, "Come on, Ring Those Bells." It held a special place in Julie's heart and became a special tradition for the Children's Christmas Program every year. The song has been loved so much at South Beaver Creek, that it has been passed on to other churches. "Come on, Ring Those Bells" was also one of Josh's favorite songs and he would sing it all year long. Julie was also the President of the W-ELCA, and with her helpful and willing hands, she put them to good use doing God's work organizing and preparing a lot of food for many special events at church, especially for the spring Chicken-Q and the famous Fall Meatball Dinner.

Faith, family, friends, and food is what Julie was truly about.  Her passing has left a hole in all of our hearts, and she will be tremendously missed. Julie always said that everything happens for a reason. The only logical reason that we all can think of is that Josh needed his mama! We take comfort knowing she is now in heaven "mothering" to her heart's content.

Julie is survived by her husband Dale, daughter Desiree and her husband Joe Books of Chetek and their furbabies, Julie's grandpuppies, River and Sparky of Chetek; Mother, Florence Ussery of North Augusta, SC; sister, Cindy Haldeman of Eau Claire; sister, Caroline and her husband, Daniel Boland of Waynesboro, GA; mother-in-law, Margaret Anderson; brother and sisters-in-law, Rich & Marie Anderson and Layne & Sarah Anderson, all of Ettrick. She is further survived by nieces and nephews, Benji (Sari), Mike (Erica), John (Amanda), Jennifer (Justin), Nick, Aaron and Lillie; great-nieces and great-nephews, Carter, Kayla, Aidan, Alayna, Alex, Nora, Marc, Meri, Grace and Henry, along with many other special family members, special friends and the entire surrounding communities.

Julie was preceded in death by her son Joshua; her Dad, Boyd; grandpuppy, Stormy; stepfather, Bob Ussery; father-in-law, Orvis Anderson; paternal grandparents, John and Cora Haldeman; maternal grandparents, Fritz and Vivian Stang; Godparents, Marge and Harry Frye, and several aunts, uncles and cousins, as well as many other special family members and special friends.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 5, 2022 at 1:00 p.m. in the South Beaver Creek Lutheran Church with burial in the church cemetery both in rural Ettrick.  Pastor John Ashland will officiate.

Visitation will be Friday, March 4, 2022 from 4-7 p.m. in the South Beaver Creek Lutheran Church in rural Ettrick and from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service at the church on Saturday.