Julia Gobernatz

Julia Margaret Dirkes, daughter of Peter and Eva (Thelen) Dirkes, was born July 2, 1903 in Savanah Township in Becker County, Minnesota. Julia grew up in Two Inlets, Minnesota, where she was baptized on July 14, 1903 by Reverend Joseph Wurm. She attended Goldenrod Minnesota School District #91. Following her schooling, Julia worked at home and various other places. On November 27, 1923, she was united in marriage to Anthony Edward Gobernatz at St. Mary’s Church in Two Inlets, Minnesota. Following their marriage, the couple lived in Two Inlets until 1928, when they moved to Browerville, MN. In 1948, they moved to the Alberta area, where they farmed. Julia and Anthony moved into Morris in 1952, where they made their home and Julia was a cook at the St. Mary’s School. Anthony died on November 10, 1991 and Julia has remained in Morris since that time.

Julia was a member of Assumption Catholic Church in Morris, where she belonged to the Christian Mothers and the Assumption Guild. She enjoyed sewing, crocheting, gardening, baking bread and caramel rolls, cooking and playing scrabble. She especially enjoyed the time she spent with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Julia died on Saturday, July 4, 2009 at West Wind Village in Morris, MN, having lived to reach the age of 106 years and 2 days.

She is survived by seven children: Janette (Paul) Jost of Morris, Elizabeth Jost of Morris, Margaret (Jim) Small of Noblesville, Helen (Walter) Cleath of Elk River, Anthony Jr (Lee) Gobernatz of Mukilteo, WA, James (Barb) Gobernatz of Morris and Irene (Al) Danko of Brooklyn Park; 45 grandchildren; over 72 great-grandchildren; many great-great-grandchildren and two sisters: Eleanor Kopp of Browerville and Edna Thompson of Squaw Valley, CA. She was preceded in death by her husband; two daughters: Edna Zupko and Marie Wevley; her parents; one son-in-law: Ray Jost; five sisters: Mary Eischens, Rose Amundson, Ceal Sears, Regina Brandt and Helen Wadel and two brothers: William Dirkes and Martin Dirkes.

Pallbearers for the service are: Rob Jost, Jerry Jost, David Gobernatz, Mike Jost, Rick Cleath and Greg Cleath. Linda Hodgson will serve as pianist for the service with Ken Hodgson serving as soloist/song leader. Pedersen Funeral Home in Morris, MN is in charge of the arrangements.