Julie Jepma

Julie Ann (Gillespie) Jepma, 63, of Columbia Heights MN, passed away Friday, December 6, 2024. The sun rose perfectly on her in the comfort of her own home, and she was finally at peace. We will forever cherish the time we had with her at home following her formal diagnosis and hospital stay beginning in August 2024.

Julie Ann, lovingly known as “Juice” by her dad or “Jules” by others, was born May 5, 1961, in Cherokee, IA, the second of (4) children to Thomas and Betty Gillespie. After spending her early childhood living and traveling for her dad’s sales career, in 1968, the Gillespie family moved to Minnesota and purchased their home in Hancock, MN. Julie cherished her time growing up in a close-knit small town, spending many summer days riding her bike to and from Page Lake with her close group of girlfriends. She looked up to her older brother, Craig, and adored her little sisters, Shari and Carrie Jo. Julie was always a kind and compassionate soul, her beauty radiating both inside and out. She never met a stranger and took a genuine interest in everyone she encountered. As such, it was no surprise that Julie was voted homecoming queen her senior year in high school.

Julie graduated from Hancock High School in 1979. Following graduation, Julie attended Alexandria Technical College and graduated with an associate’s degree in 1981. On July 1, 1983, Julie married Sam Jepma in Foley, MN while residing in St Louis Park, MN. Both of Sam and Julie’s children, Trevor (40) and Ashley (37), were born in St Louis Park and spent their early years in Eagan, MN. In 1990, Sam and Julie moved to Sauk Rapids, MN where they raised their kids and dogs and fell in love with the community.

Julie found her career match as an Administrative Assistant, greeting all and assisting many. She worked at Winkleman Building Corporation in St Cloud, MN for the majority of the time she resided in Sauk Rapids. In 2007, Julie accepted the position of Administrative Assistant in the Psychology Department at the University of St Thomas in St Paul, MN. With her husband already commuting for his career as an IT Business Analyst and her children out of the house studying at Macalester College and the University of St Thomas, this was the perfect fit and opportunity for the couple’s next chapter of life back in the Minneapolis/St Paul area. The couple moved to Columbia Heights and Julie quickly became an integral part of the Psychology Department at St Thomas where colleagues, professors and students alike became like family. She was truly honored to be a “Tommie” and part of the incredible St Thomas community. 

Above all, Julie was the heartbeat of her family and diverse friend groups. She was a devoted wife, mother, aunt, grandmother, friend – queen of the warm smiles and hugs. No matter where Julie lived, her home was a physical embodiment of love where she hosted family dinners and celebrations whenever possible – always with an open door, open arms and a surplus of delicious dishes. She enjoyed volunteering for animal organizations where she spent several years driving the last leg of a kill shelter dog run, bringing dogs to their forever families in Minnesota.

Julie was energized by serving and sharing time with others. She was always looking for ways to make a difference and make others feel seen or heard. Her family and friends will continue to be inspired by the legacy Julie undeniably leaves behind. We are forever changed by her unconditional love, light and compassion for all. We will never stop sharing her story and encourage everyone to do the same.

Julie is survived by her husband Sam; two children, Trevor (Laurie) Jepma of Novato, CA; Ashley (Jeremy) Rogosheske of Medina, Minnesota; four grandchildren, Trenton, Kingston, Vienna (Jepma) and Cru (Rogosheske); her mother Betty Gillespie; brother Craig (Gwen) Gillespie; sisters Shari (Al) Braaten; Carrie (Rick) Hennen and many loving in-laws, nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. She was preceded in death by her father, Tom.

A special thanks to Our Lady of Peace Hospice for their tender care of Julie that allowed her final days with us to be filled with dignity, grace, and love while we said “see you later” to our dear Jules.

A visitation will be held Wednesday, December 11, 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Pedersen Funeral Home in Morris MN. Services will be held Thursday, December 12, 12:00 p.m. at Our Redeemer’s Lutheran Church, Hancock, MN, with visitation one hour prior to the service at the church. A lunch buffet immediately following will take place at Buddie’s in Hancock.

Pedersen Funeral Home in Morris is in the care of arrangements for Julie.