Julie Keen Medema, 97, of Brandon, passed away Thursday, January 16, 2025.
Julie was born August 30, 1927 in Holland, MI the daughter of John and Ella Schierbeek Keen. She was one of 8 children; 3 sisters and 4 brothers. Julie attended school in Holland, MI and went on to Calvin College where she received her Bachelor’s Degree in Education. One of her lifelong dreams was to live in Alaska and after college, she went off on a great adventure and taught school in Alaska for one year. Upon her return to Michigan, she taught elementary school in Michigan. On June 10, 1955 Ted and Julie Medema were married in Holland, MI. To her great delight, she and Ted were able to return to Alaska together to serve a summer assignment as seminarian in Anchorage, AK. Their adventures continued as they served as pastor and wife in 7 different churches throughout the United States.
In 1956, life took another turn with the birth of their first child, Sue. Sue was followed by 5 brothers over the next 14 years, Dan, Steve, Bob, Tim, and Bruce. Life was at times a challenge but was never boring. Julie’s deep faith in God and His mercy gave her strength and hope in all days and situations. Julie was a loving and dedicated mother and also poured her heart into people in the churches they served. It was heartbreaking each time to say goodbye to the congregations she had grown to love, but Julie trusted that God was leading them to more people to love.
In addition to caring for 6 children, supporting Ted, and serving the church, Julie enjoyed painting, reading Biblical novels, poetry, doing puzzles, and cooking. At the age of 65, she went on a 6 week mission trip to an orphanage in Kenya, Africa!
Through the years the family continued to grow to now include 9 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. God allowed Julie to impact the lives of each and every one of them; and they brought joy to her heart.
In 1998 Ted and Julie returned to the Waupun, WI area where Ted served on the staff at Alto Reformed Church for 20 years. Alto became home to them quickly and Julie continued to pour herself into loving, serving, and caring for people.
Juie was preceded in death by her parents; 4 brothers; and 3 sisters. She is survived by her husband of 69 years, Ted Medema; children: Sue Medema, Daniel (Karen) Medema, Steve Medema, Bob (Beth) Medema, Tim (Jo) Medema, Bruce (Jodi) Medema; 9 grandchildren: Bobbi (Ron) Recob, Danielle (Ryan) Scott, Casey (Zach) Maher, Julia (Marty) Medema, Stephanie (Casey Kamps) Medema, Emilia Medema, Nicholas Medema, Jake Medema, Sarah Medema; and 11 great-grandchildren.
Funeral services for Julie Medema will be held on Thursday, January 23, 2025 at 11 a.m. at Alto Reformed Church with Pastor Kevin Van Wyk and Pastor Gwen Loomans officiating. Burial to follow at Alto Cemetery. Friends and relatives may call on the family on Wednesday at Werner-Harmsen Funeral Home in Waupun from 4-7 p.m. and on Thursday at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of service.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that memorials be given to Samaritan’s Purse in Julie’s name.
Wednesday, January 22, 2025
4:00 - 7:00 pm (Central time)
Werner-Harmsen Funeral Home
Thursday, January 23, 2025
Starts at 10:00 am (Central time)
Alto Reformed Church
Thursday, January 23, 2025
Starts at 11:00 am (Central time)
Alto Reformed Church
Thursday, January 23, 2025
Alto Cemetery
Burial to follow service.
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