Julie K. Papenfus

The funeral service for Julie K. Papenfus, 67, of Racine, MN, will be at 11:00 A.M. on Tuesday (November 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 (November 20, 2019) at her home, following a short illness with cancer.

Julie Kay Meyer was born on December 27, 1951 in Preston, MN to Norman and Dorothy (Jeche) Meyer.  She grew up on the family farm in rural Wykoff, attended Wykoff Schools, graduating from Wykoff H.S. 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, MN 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 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 5 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  grand-daughter – Hailey all of Rochester and her daughter – Jamie(Ken) Downs and grandson – Preston all of Corona, CA and 1 brother – Steve Meyer of Cross Lake, MN.  She was preceded in death by her parents.

A time of visitation for family and friends will take place from 5 to 7:00 P.M. on Monday (November 25, 2019) at Grace Evangelical Free Church in Stewartville and 1hr 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 F.H. in Stewartville.  Condolences and memories of Julie are welcome at www.griffin-gray.com.

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