Julie Schuitema Obituary
Julie proudly served her country with distinction as a member of the United States Air Force for seven years. During her active duty, she worked on F-15 fighter jets-an accomplishment that reflected her technical skill and dedication. Following her military service, she continued to serve veterans as a long-time employee at the Department of Veterans Affairs, where her commitment to supporting those who served was deeply valued.
Julie's life was rich with creativity and passion. She was an avid writer and a devoted book collector whose shelves overflowed with stories that inspired her own imagination. Her love for sewing and quilting brought warmth and beauty into the lives of those around her. Julie also had a deep affection for animals and rescued many cats over the years, offering them loving homes.
A familiar face at Renaissance Faires, Julie embraced the spirit of history and fantasy with enthusiasm. Her presence at these gatherings was marked by elaborate costumes-often handmade-and a joyful sense of community.
Julie is lovingly remembered by her daughter Serra Patterson; her mother and stepfather, Linda and Dave Simonson; her brother Steven Schuitema and sister-in-law OHara Boltinghouse; her uncle and aunt Joseph and Olga Schuitema; her nieces and nephews: Sean Schuitema, Naomi Schuitema, Lauren Schuitema, Jakob Schuitema, Zak Schuitema, Emily Haan, and Sean Haan; and her stepsister Jodi Simonson. Survived by her Aunts and Uncles, Robert and Theresa Verburg, Susan Hollis and David Verburg, along with many cousins.
She was preceded in death by her father David Schuitema; her brother Jason Schuitema; her grandmother Valerie Schuitema; her Grandparents Harold and Marian Verburg.
Julie's legacy lives on through the many lives she touched-with kindness, creativity, service, and love. May her memory bring comfort to those who knew her.
Celebration of Life
September 13, 2025
1pm - 4pm
at Country Meadows
5401 76th St.
Caledonia, MI 49316
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
J.
September 3, 2025
May God's promise found in John 6:40, of the hope to see our loved ones again, comfort your heart and give you peace, strength, and hope in the days ahead.May God's promise found in John 6:40, of the hope to see our loved ones again, comfort you
Marti Ocilka
September 2, 2025
Rest in peace, Julie. We will miss your smile and your many talents.
V. Scott
September 1, 2025
Thank you for your service Ma'am
Rest peacefully.
Rita Lovelace
August 31, 2025
Julie you were such a friendly smile every time I saw you at faire. The world has lost a beautiful soul. I hope your travels across to the other side are .... I just cant put this into words ... blessing my friend. You will be remembered.
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Stephanie Fox (Gandee)
August 31, 2025
I met Julie in Okinawa. She and her husband at the time worked with my husband and we would all go to dinner and shopping. Julie taught me how to crossstitch and we became good crafting friends. We spent our 1st Thanksgiving there together where we made food that we'd never made on our own. It tasted good, but looked awful! We both had our babies there, who are beautiful adults now! We talked occasionally after returning stateside through Facebook, but unfortunately never met up in real life again. I'm very sad about that. You always think you'll have more time. My little time with her was so meaningful because it was my 1st time away from home and we formed a family of sorts. I love crafting and creating and thats something she helped foster. The world lost a beautiful soul. Serra, I'm so sorry.
Cameron Taylor
August 31, 2025
Always looked forward to seeing Julie at faire and other engagements. A wonderful mother and enthusiastic writer. I enjoyed her conversations about her newest storyline, hero.or antagonist. Julie was a kind and beautiful soul she will be missed.
Wendy Gager Sinicki
August 31, 2025
I knew Julie through a writers group and she was so passionate about her writing. She also was passionate about Sierra. She always had a funny story about Sierra. This was before Sierra started school. I am so sorry for your loss.
Tabitha Herr-Bush
August 31, 2025
So incredibly sorry for everyone´s loss. Julie was a dear friend of mine from high school and although we hadn´t talked recently she was always close in my thoughts and prayers. My deepest condolences especially to her daughter Serra whom she loved dearly. She will definitely be missed.
Carissa
August 31, 2025
People come into your life for a reason, a season, or a lifetime. Your season was too short, the reasons are too many to list, and friends like you are a rare thing in anyone's lifetime. I've picked up my a hundred times to share something I knew would make you laugh... you are missed.
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