Julia McNees

Julia McNees, 86 of Atlantic, died Saturday May 10, 2025, at Heritage House in Atlantic surrounded by her family. Julia Loraine Brown was born March 13, 1939, on her parent's farm near Conwaya. She spent her youth helping her parents with their grain and Black Angus livestock operation. A large part of that was working beside her mother. They fed threshing crews during harvest season, for weeks at a time. The skills she learned stayed with her throughout her life as she never missed an opportunity to cook or bake for a large group or event. Her family knew their favorite item would always be made at any time.
She graduated from Bedford High School in 1957, and attended the American Institute of Business School in Des Moines. She then went to work for the DHS in Taylor County. Julia reconnected with Russell "Skip" McNees, and they were married in Gravity, on June 25, 1961. They made their first home in Council Bluffs before moving to Atlantic in 1966. To this union, Mark, Dale, and Lisa were born.
Julia stopped her career, raising the kids until they attended school, but worked during that time selling Avon, and their kids went along for the ride. She then went back to work for the DHS in Cass County until she retired.
She and Skip loved to play cards, and her friends and family soon learned she was a bit of a card shark. She loved to play any game, especially Pinochle and Hearts. She also was an avid bowler and bingo player. She enjoyed the casino, where she would study and play the slots (and often profit), while sending her husband to the buffet. Odd numbers were her go to friends.
She was never one to sit still, or sleep, and she had a giving heart. She volunteered for several charitable organizations for over 50 years. She was a driving force in the Nishna Valley Shrine Auxiliary, particularly in the chicken noodle dinners. For many years their home turned into a noodle factory, and she continued with fellow members to make and sell them through last winter. Through their efforts, they were able to send tens of thousands of dollars to Shrine Hospitals.
She was a long-time member of the CCMH Auxiliary, where she spent countless hours purchasing items for the Gift Shop and assisting in its operation. She was also a member of the D.O.E.S #23, and the First United Methodist Church. She never stopped helping others by contributing to charities that touched her heart, driving people to appointments, or by providing food in times of need.
She is survived by her children, Mark (Bobbi) of Atlantic, Dale (Rachel) of Land O'Lakes, Fla., and Lisa (Matt) Richards of Berkeley, Calif.; grandchildren, Ian McNees, Maren (Travis) Kinney, Lauren (Gil) Mercado, Colin, Jacob, and Olivia McNees; great-granddaughter, Sofia Mercado; and "favorite" honorary son, Todd Hensley.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Russell; parents, Glenn and Hazel Brown; brother, Francis and sister-in-law, Hazel Brown; and many nieces and nephews who were like her siblings.
Visitation with the family present will be held from 5 – 7 p.m., Tuesday, May 13 at Roland Funeral Home in Atlantic.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, May 14 at the First United Methodist Church in Atlantic. Burial will be in the Atlantic Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials, which will be given to her favorite charities.
Roland Funeral Service is caring for Julia's family and her arrangements. Condolences may be left at www.rolandfuneralservice.com.