11/24/2019 11:31:00 AM Funeral for Julie Papenfus held Nov. 26 at Grace in Stewartville
The funeral service for Julie K. Papenfus, 67, of Racine, will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2019, at Grace Evangelical Free Church in Stewartville with Rev. John Grams officiating. Burial will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery in Stewartville. Mrs. Papenfus died on Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2019 at her home, following a short illness with cancer. Julie Kay Meyer was born on Dec. 27, 1951 in Preston, to Norman and Dorothy (Jeche) Meyer. She grew up on the family farm in rural Wykoff, attended Wykoff Schools, graduating from Wykoff High School. in 1969. She moved to Rochester and was employed at the First National Bank. Julie was married on May 27, 1972 in Wykoff to Byron Papenfus. Following their marriage the couple moved to Rochester for a few years before building a house in Racine in 1978, where they raised their children and continued to make their home. Julie was a homemaker and also was employed at First Farmers and Merchant Bank in Grand Meadow and operated a chidrens' day care from her home for a number of years. She was employed for the past five years as a para-professional at Jefferson Elementary School in Rochester, retiring due to her health. Byron was employed for 10 years at Clements Chevrolet in Rochester and was employed for many years as a truck driver at Montgomery Trucking in Austin and Bill Funk Trucking in Chatfield. Julie was a member of Grace Church in Stewartville. She enjoyed gardening, cooking, reading and working with children. She loved time spent with friends and family, especially her grandchildren. Julie is survived by her husband, Byron; her son, Nick (Lisa) Papenfus, and granddaughter, Hailey, all of Rochester; her daughter, Jamie (Ken) Downs and grandson, Preston all of Corona, Cal., and one brother, Steve Meyer of Cross Lake. She was preceded in death by her parents. A time of visitation for family and friends will take place from 5-7 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 25, 2019, at Grace Evangelical Free Church in Stewartville and one hour prior to the service at the church on Tuesday morning. Julie's family suggests memorials be sent to Grace Church in Stewartville. Arrangements are with Griffin-Gray Funeral Home in Stewartville. Condolences and memories of Julie are welcome at www.griffin-gray.com
