Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Julie O'Rourke-Fernandez Obituary
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Monday, June 20, at Corpus Christi Church, in Fort Dodge, with Monsignor Kevin McCoy officiating at the Mass of Christian Burial.
Visitation will be one hour prior to the services at the church. The Laufersweiler-Sievers Funeral Home in Fort Dodge is serving the family.
Julie Maria O'Rourke was born on Dec. 2, 1958, in Rockford, where she graduated from Rockford High School in 1977. She then attended North Iowa Area Community College and graduated from the nursing program in 1980, and went on to work for Mercy Hospital in Mason City. Following her lifelong dream she moved to Scottsdale, Ariz., and was a nurse at the Scottsdale Memorial Hospital. In 1985, she was united in marriage to David Fernandez. In March of 2006, she moved back to the Midwest, living in Maryville, Mo., and Kansas City, Mo., where she worked in the medical field. In 2009, she moved to Mason City to care for her parents and was employed at the Rockwell Care Center. Julie was diagnosed with cancer in May of 2010, and she went to live with her brother and sister-in-law, Pat and Jane O'Rourke in Fort Dodge in August of 2010.
Memorials may be left to the discretion of the family.
Survivors include her daughters, Brianne of Kansas City, Mo.; and Danielle of Scottsdale, Ariz.; her parents, Clem and Laurel O'Rourke of Mason City; sisters, Jessica (Bill) Loch of Maryville, Mo.; Tracy Wiley of Kansas City, Mo.; Kelly (Russ) Crane of Mason City; and Erin (Shane) Fingelson of Manhattan, Kansas; brothers, Patrick (Jane) O'Rourke of Fort Dodge; Scott (Yolanda) O'Rourke of Oklahoma City, Okla.; seven nephews; eight nieces; and numerous great nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Bill and Margaurite O'Rourke; and Helmer and Iva Hanson.
Laufersweiler-Sievers Funeral Home, 307 S. 12th St., Fort Dodge, 515-576-3156.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Julie O'Rourke-Fernandez
Kathi Zarubi
June 13, 2022
I think about Julie so often and always with a big smile. She had such a way of bringing joy to everyone around her. She is an angel for us all.
Kathi
June 18, 2018
Had no idea of Julies passing. She was the most positive person you could ever meet. Beyond proud of her beautiful girls. Last heard from her in 2010 when she was back in Iowa. Nothing but great memories of a wonderful person
Cabot. Scottsdale, Az
Monica Enabnit/Heard
July 5, 2011
O'Rourke family:
I was so sad to hear of Julie's passing. We went to School together and both went to Nurses training after high school and then started at Mercy in Mason City after that. Julie always had alot of energy and was a great friend. I will miss her greatly. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Jessica O'Rourke Loch
June 28, 2011
As the days pass, I find myself looking to Julie for wisdom, solace, or just thinking about some comment of hers that fits the situation. Do your angel work Julie. I love you, your sister.
Ann Lindner-Little
June 28, 2011
To all of Julie's family I send my deepest sympathy. I worked with Julie on 4 East in the early 80's and Julie had a special way with patients. Those were such great times for all of us to work together and have such great friendships. My prayers and love go out to you.
Suzy Farmer-Noren
June 27, 2011
I learned so much from Julie (not only about being a nurse but about life). I will always smile when I think of her. I am happy and blessed to have known Julie. God bless to you and your family. Love, Suzy Farmer Noren
Betty Bourdette
June 26, 2011
ETERNAL REST JULIE,
LOVE AND PRAYERS.
Marlene (Cerwinske) Tapp
June 25, 2011
Sorry to hear about Julie passing away. We graduated together (1977) I remember her as a very outgoing person and a true friend. She was well liked in school and everyone wanted to be her friend. Even tho we never kept in touch I often thought about her as we had a nice visit at our class reuion. As I read the guest book I can see that she touched many lives and that is truely a gift that will be missed by her loved ones. May God help you all thru this time and the memories help easy your pain.
Katie Loew
June 25, 2011
Rest in peace sweet Julie. Thank you for the fun and laughter back in the day, 1980ish SMH Osborn 4E. Those were the best days of my nursing career. The lives you have touched as Mother,Nurse,Friend will live on.I will see you in heaven one glorious day.Gods many blessings to your family.
Please be our angel above.
Joyce Balderas D'Souza
June 22, 2011
Julie was a mentor and an inspiration. She has the energy to lift everyone's spirits. May the beautiful memories of her keep your hearts with joy. My deepest sympathy to her family.
Lindsay Thomas
June 22, 2011
I am so sorry to hear about Julie. I worked with her as a nurse for many years at Scottsdale Healthcare Osborn. I remember her as an energetic light that shone so brightly every day.
She loved being a nurse and especially of being a mother.
My Heartfelt sympathy,
Pat Beaman
June 21, 2011
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Julie. I had the great pleasure of working with Julie in Scottsdale and will always remember her energetic and magnetic personality. We had such great times working together and sharing time with family and friends. My thoughts and prayers are with her beautiful daughters and her family. God speed Julie....until we meet again.
tracey samuelson
June 20, 2011
words cannot express my heartfelt sadness to a longtime friend julie who she and iworked together here at scottsdale osborn since she started here she was a wonderful lady and a great nurse and 1 will miss her smiling face my heart is with you all love tracey samuelson
Kathi Zarubi
June 20, 2011
To all of the O'Rourke family - my deepest sympathy to you all. I worked with Julie at Scottsdale Memorial from the time I was a new grad in 1981 - I will always remember her as the energetic, loving, funny, spirited doll that she was. She blessed many others through her nursing career - both patients, families, peers and co-workers. She was a people magnet - she loved people and they loved her. We had so many fun times we together as a young, optimistic "save the world" team. There was never a happier new mother than Julie, so for Danielle and Brianne - (though I'm sure you don't remember me), I will always remember how happy your mother was to be your mother and to show off the photos of her two beautiful baby girls. She loved you both so very much. Julie will live forever in my heart as a dear friend. A sad day today to hear of her passing. May God bless you all and give you peace. Sincerely, Kathi Kerr Zarubi
Robyn, Morgan, Don Pint
June 20, 2011
Dani and Bri-
It breaks my heart to hear the passing of your mom...We were always very close as cousins and she has left me with such great memories...Your moms'spirit lives on in you girls. (She had ALOT of SPIRIT)..
Pennie Marshall-Benavides
June 20, 2011
Tears of joy Julie is now with God
Tears of sorrow for your loss
Julie worked with me at the Rockwell Nursing Home. She was truely a wonderful caring nurse....We all loved her and miss her...R.I.P. Julie
Dana, Janelle & Denver Larson
June 20, 2011
Our sympathy is with you at this time.
Melvin and Cheryl Chapman
June 20, 2011
To all of Julie's family we send our condolences. We haven't seen her for many years but her picture is certainly the way we remember her along with her friendly personality. Sincerely
June 20, 2011
Our thoughts and love goes out to all the family of Julie. It saddens all our hearts to hear of this loss in a family.
The Glenn Biggs Family.
Dave Wilson
June 20, 2011
Kelley & Family, I am deeply saddened to hear of Julie passing. She was such a beautiful girl both inside & out. You are in my thoughts and prayers. God bless you all.
Jackie Juhl
June 19, 2011
I am so sorry to heard of Julie's passing we reconnected when she moved back to Mason City, she helped we thru a difficult time. She will shine in heaven.
John Holland
June 19, 2011
Kelly and Family, I was shocked to see this, I haven't seen Julie in many years and I am so sorry for your loss. I just wanted you to know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Cindy Ketchum
June 19, 2011
Clem, Laurel, & families of Julie O'Rourke-Fernandez, My thoughts and prayer are with you all during this most difficult time. May the Lord bless all of you and keep you in His loving care today, tomorrow, and always! Lord's blessings to you all! Cindy Watkins (Eichmeier) Ketchum
Doris Robeson-Tourtellott
June 19, 2011
Clem, Laurel, and Family,
My very deepest condolences go out to you during this very sad time in your lives. Remember the happy times together. This will help to sustain you in the days, weeks, and months ahead of you. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Russell Duesenberg
June 19, 2011
My prayer's and sympothy go out to both of the families. Juile as I remember was great in sports and loved life. She will greatly be missed by her family, friends, and classmates of 1977
Chuck & Teri (Achenbach) Chapman
June 19, 2011
Julie's family, Chuck and I were surprised to hear of Julie's passing. Our high school years were filled with her friendship and distance prevented us from keeping in touch over the years. We will keep you in our prayers during this difficult time.
Kathy Smith
June 19, 2011
Our sympathies to Julie's family. She lived life with great enthusiasm and was glad I was able to meet up with her again while she was in Mason. In our prayers....Kevin & Kathy Smith
Lisa (Engels) & Jeff Kelley
June 19, 2011
So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
June 19, 2011
Clem, Laurel and families,
Was saddened to read of Julie's passing. Her pain has ended and the healing begins for those she left behind. I haven't seen her for years but will always remember her forever smile and laugh.
God Bless you all.
Dawn Robeson Havey
LeAnn Ginther
June 19, 2011
So sad to hear that Julie left us. Will miss her very much!! Had many good times with Julie over the years mainly the school years but living with her out of school was for some great times too. So happy I was able to see her just before she passed. I sure will remember that last hug forever!!!!! My sympathy to you all.
Kelly & Barb Noss
June 19, 2011
We are so sorry to hear about Julie. Talked with Pat and Jane at State Basketball and was very shocked to hear at that time she was sick. Our thoughts and prayers are with the whole.
Marty and Mary Ann Lucas
June 19, 2011
Our sincere sympathy to all of your family.
Jean Ratliff
June 19, 2011
So sorry for your loss.
June 19, 2011
Wow was so shocked to learn of Julie's death.I went to school with Julie at Rockford. In a smaller school everybody knows everybody. My thoughts are with the whole family as I knew quite a few of the brothers and sisters. JoDee Stadtlander Koleno
June 19, 2011
Thinking of you all. May God watch over you.
Showing 1 - 36 of 36 results
Make a Donation
in Julie O'Rourke-Fernandez's name
Memorial Events
for Julie O'Rourke-Fernandez
How to support Julie's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Julie O'Rourke-Fernandez's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
