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BORN
1953
DIED
2025
FUNERAL HOME
4800 S Minnesota Avenue
Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Julie Day Obituary
Julie was born Julia Anne Davis in a suburb of Indianapolis, IN, after an eight-year battle with ovarian cancer she passed away at Ava’s House on December 18, 2025.
Heritage Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. The date of the funeral is January 16, 2026. Visitation to start at 3:30 pm and services to start at 4:30 pm.
She was raised by parents on the move with promotions from Indianapolis to St. Louis, to Sioux City to Sioux Falls, and while she was at college the family moved to Dallas, Texas.
Julie met her future husband, Richard Day attending Sioux Falls Washington High School. It took her a while to figure out that his father was a teacher and coach at the same school.
Once while Julie was practicing softball pitching to Dick there was a pitch high and outside. It broke a dining room window. While she busied herself cleaning up the glass Dick measured and replaced the window. They’ve been a good team ever since. At the University of South Dakota, she majored in English and Library Science. She took French in grade school in St. Louis and was able to test out of two years in college French at USD. Julie did her student teaching at Edison Middle School, the same place where her future mother-in-law was teaching.
Dick and Julie married shortly after graduation from the USD.
The first stop after college was the Sioux Falls School District as Assistant Librarian at Whittier Middle School. Dick was doing student teaching at Lincoln High School and during that time learned of his acceptance to medical school.
Julie obtained a teaching position at Westfield, IA during his first two years of medical school. She taught multiple levels of English classes 7-12 and did the school play and yearbook. She also coached six girl Junior High basketball and track.
The highlight of those years was taking both the Junior High and High School girls to watch the girls state basketball tournament.
Dick transferred to Sioux Falls for the last two years of medical school and three years of Family Medicine Residency. Julie then gained an opportunity to teach at Canton, SD. Rachael, their first child, was born during this time. Kyle, the second child was born early in Dick’s start of being a practicing physician. Julie then took a short sabbatical and then resumed substitute teaching. After two years of substitute teaching, she started teaching at Axtell Park Middle School. She was part time in name only, she devoted countless hours mentoring children and covering colleagues. After her transfer to Roosevelt High School, she was honored with the Friend to Axtell Park Award. Her children, now young adults, Julie, began teaching online classes full time at RHS. She also worked on Masters of Reading at that time at Sioux Falls University. Rachael completed the same program and they graduated together. She retired from the Sioux Falls School system in 2016.
Despite the cancer diagnosis Julie loved to travel. Shortly after the initial treatment for the cancer Rachael and Julie took a trip to Pigeon Forge and the Appalachian Mountains. Julie and Dick went with her cousins on a Rhine River cruise the following fall. The last adventure was Maui and Kauai. Lucas, the grandson, was included on trips to the Black Hills, SD, then New York, NY, Washington, DC, and Gettysburg, PA with periodic trips to Waco to see Great Grandma and Great Grandpa. This last summer Harry Potter and Universal Studios completed our touring.
Those preceding in death; Father, Robert L. Davis, Bradley R. Davis, Mother-in-law, Sally Day and Father-in-law, Richard L. Day.
The survivors include; Husband, Richard P. Day of Sioux Falls, Daughter, Rachael Day of Sioux Falls, Son, Kyle Day and Grandson Lucas Day of Des Moines, IA, Mother, Helen Davis and sister Carol Keil (Ken) of Waco, TX. Sister-in-law, Susan Davis of Shreveport, LA, Brother-in-law, John Day (Chere) of Bartlett, TN, Sister-in-law, Diane Verrett (Mike) of Lillington, NC and Brother-in-law, James Day (Denise) of Sioux Falls and numerous nephews and nieces.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to either Feeding South Dakota or Habitat for Humanity.
To watch the service virtually please use the link listed below:
Heritage Funeral Home is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: Julie Day
Time: Jan 16, 2026 04:30 PM Central Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86077073071?pwd=fNGIjK6ZVNRU1nCWEj4NUo1Z4ueHtk.1
Meeting ID: 860 7707 3071
Passcode: 730265
Memories and Condolences
for Julie Day
Brad Meeks
March 20, 2026
Julie was a great professional who had high standards for students, colleagues and herself. I enjoyed working with her at Axtell Park.
Merecedes Nelson
January 17, 2026
The world lost a wonderful person who lived such a rich life and was clearly loved by so many and touched many lives; I'm so glad I was able to share many holidays and family gatherings with Julie and though it hurts my (and many others) hearts to lose her from this earth, we've got some beautiful memories to comfort us. Sending extra love to Dick, Rachael, Kyle, and Lucas.
Arlene Lefler
January 16, 2026
Julie came to Whitter to learn and earn her new job as a school librarian and did it well in her own school.
Arlene Lefler
Paula Kopko
January 14, 2026
If it is possible to have a BFF cousin Julie and I truly were. Starting with our formation of "The Committee" as young girls where even though I was the oldest Julie was always in charge--to our "chick trips" that we took to escape family and life for a few days-- to our adult couple trips with spouses -- then to your many trips to visit George and I in Tucson, AZ. I always admired your dedication to educating others--managing family life--dedication to the welfare of your parents and fighting a relentless illness. You were always full of stories about your many students and how proud you were to run into them in everyday life as they were using what you helped to teach them. A true Legacy to education in the state of South Dakota that you loved so very much!
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Fred Halde
January 13, 2026
I remember riding around Sioux Falls with Dick in high school and on any particular night, he would drive by Julie’s house at least 8-10 times. And when the song “Julie,Julie, Julie do you love me” came on over the radio, Dick would turn it up as loud as it would go and sing along. He was smitten!
I was Dick’s best man at their and appreciated them both through the years.
Julie was talented, committed to education and a real fighter in the face of this cancer. Our loss is great! Comfort and peace to Dick and the family!
Rose Zediker
January 6, 2026
My sympathies to all who loved Mrs. Day. I was her student at Westfield High School and she encouraged me to develop writing skills which served me well in my life. I reconnected with her via social media a few years ago and she was still so encouraging. I'm glad I had the chance to tell her she was hands down my favorite teacher.
BRIAN F FEDIE
January 6, 2026
A memorable teacher.
Susan Waagmeester
January 1, 2026
So sorry to hear about the passing of Julie, I had the chance to visit with her not to long ago at Burger King and I will treasure that. She and I taught Humanities together behind the room divider at Axtel Park many, many, many years ago. Good times, she will be missed!!!
Linda Castle Kauker
December 31, 2025
Dick and family, may you be comforted by your memories in the days to come.
Scott Fossum
December 30, 2025
I was saddened to hear of Mrs. Day’s passing. As one of her former students in Canton, I remember her class as a place of creativity and enthusiasm. She didn't just teach us grammar; she taught us to enjoy the process of discovery. My deepest condolences to her family - thank you for sharing her with all of us.
Dennis and Janet Withered
December 30, 2025
We are so sorry to hear of her passing. We will hold our memories of Julie in our hearts and think of fondly.
Crystal Arntz
December 30, 2025
Julie was a very special person and remarkable teacher. She was very devoted to her profession. We would often times cover similar topics and would share ideas for teaching. After retirement, I would see her and we would discuss Axtell Park and then her travels. She was very personable and I was lucky to work with her.
Crystal Arntz
Sara Maynard
December 30, 2025
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Sharon Michailidis
December 29, 2025
How can I begin to put into word how much we will miss our dear friend Julie. She was so knowledgeable about sports, current events, local events, and any subject that came up. I learned so much from her. Julie was very active in our Beta sigma phi group. She would go the extra mile to serve as Secretary, help with volunteer projects for those in need. She would give rides, bring meals and help our friend who also was dealing with cancer. Julie was a true friend and amazing woman. Thank you dear Julie for the beautiful memories. Memory eternal.
Marilyn Seidel
December 29, 2025
Julie, what a trooper!!! She was my good friend whom i was so proud of! She was such a positive , strong, caring person who never ever focused on herself. She was always complimenting , worrying or caring for someone else. She loved her family, her students, her work ,her colleagues,, her medical team and her friends. She fought so hard fighting 8 years of cancer up until the very end, never complaining but always planning her next line of treatment because she had too much to do yet on this earth. Jules, i miss you and will always remember our luncheon and dinner conversations . So honored and proud to call you my friend.
Mary Remmark
December 29, 2025
I had the pleasure of knowing Julie in high school and as a fellow teacher at Axtell Park. Recently Julie has been a part of our lunch group that shared conversation and life lessons at our lunch table. Julie was always setting high standards of professionalism in all that she did. I will miss her kindness and her friendship.
Barbara Campbell
December 29, 2025
Julie, always w/ a smile and a positive attitude. I remember her fondly from APMS. Recently, I ran into her as she walked at the Western Mall. We remembered one another and had great memories to share. She remained strong thru medical issues. Blessing her w/ restful peace.
Pamela Holloway
December 29, 2025
Julie was truly my friend & mentor at Axtell Park. I had never taught Humanities. She helped me with lesson plans, unfamiliar artwork & anything else I needed. You will be missed, my friend!
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Heritage Funeral Home and Cremation Services - Sioux Falls4800 S Minnesota Avenue, Sioux Falls, SD 57108