Julie Eloise Fermenick

Julie Eloise (Olson) Fermenick, age 82, of Woodbury, Minnesota, passed away peacefully at home on October 15, 2025, after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.

Julie was born on November 23, 1942, in Fosston, Minnesota, to Ward "Bud" and Eleanore (Anderson) Olson. She earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Minnesota Moorhead and a master's in education from the University of Minnesota.

Julie met Dean Fermenick, her future husband, during her Master's degree classes. They were married on April 3, 1965 in Julie's hometown of Fosston. Together they raised two children, Cara (Fermenick) Fischer of Inver Grove Heights, MN, and Kendall Fermenick of Georgetown, TX.

Julie worked as an elementary school teacher in the South St. Paul School District for over 30 years. She was a lifelong advocate for education, resulting in continuing to teach even after retirement. Many of Julie's closest friends were her teacher colleagues.

Julie was known for her creativity, especially in making handmade original artwork cards for all occasions. She was a life-long puzzle solver, always completing the daily cross word challenge. Julie also dominated Maj-jong and all types of word related gaming with her friends and relatives. Her abilities with word games were truly extraordinary!

Julie and Dean shared a love of travel, exploring the U.S., Canada, and Europe. In retirement, they became avid snowbirds and eventually settled for the winter in El Jobean, Florida to be near their fellow retired South St. Paul district teachers.

Julie and Dean were also active members of the Newport Lutheran Church for over three decades.

Julie is survived by her children, Cara and Kendall; grandchildren, Sam and Nathan Fischer; brothers, Todd and Buff Olson; nephews, Aaron and Nicolas; niece, Laurie; and brothers-in-law, Rick Clark and Leon Fermenick. Sam and Nathan made a loving practice of weekly dinners with Julie and were always available to help with chores. Niece Laurie's frequent calls were also very appreciated. Julie was preceded in death by her husband Dean, sister Tammy (Olson) Clark and her parents.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, November 1, at Newport Lutheran Church from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m., followed by a Celebration of Life service at 11:00 a.m. Lunch will follow the service.

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