Julian Feikert

1991 - 2023

Julian Feikert, 31, formerly of Keokuk, died Sunday, June 4, 2023, while residing in Palenque, Chiapas, Mexico, where he was living with his 2 1/2-year-old son, Joss, and his fiancé, Claudia Noriega.

Julian was born Oct. 25, 1991, to James and Dena Feikert (formerly Dena Lestina) both from Keokuk.

Julian attended Keokuk high School where he wrestled, being taught by coach Tommy Rose. Julian graduated with his class in 2010. In high school he made many achievements both academically and in sports, such as finishing his senior year in high school with a 142 to 19 career record, which was at that time breaking many records. He attended Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, Oklahoma, where he pursued a career in wrestling for the Oklahoma State Cowboys. In school, Julian made many achievements including a D1 NCAA qualifier for Oklahoma State University. Throughout his wrestling career he became one of the best guys in the nation at his weight, wrestling in prestigious tournaments such as the National Tournament in Tulsa, Oklahoma. According to Julian, the most memorable achievement of his life was attending Purler Wrestling Academy in St Louis, Missouri, where he was taught advanced leg riding skills by the owner Nick Purler, whom he thought the world of, and Julian also looked up to him as an idol and mentor. He was also a freestyle wrestling state champion in 2006, along with being a three time Wells Fargo national qualifier. Julian was a talented and competitive athlete.

Julian also loved teaching. Julian was an English teacher, teaching English to foreign language speaking students.

He is survived by his parents; sister Stephanie Feikert of Keokuk; two brothers, Samson Padilla and Tyler Padilla; son Joss Feikert; and his fiance Claudia Noriega. He is also survived by several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins; his grandmother Marie Crabtree of Keokuk; and step-grandmother Dixie Lestina of Argyle.

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather James Crabtree; maternal grandmother Janice Lestina; and paternal grandfather Larry Lestina.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday at Vigen Memorial Home in Keokuk. Burial will be in the Argyle Memorial Park in Argyle.

Visitation will be held one hour prior to the funeral, with the family meeting with friends from 10-11 a.m. at the funeral home.

Memorials may be made to the family.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.vigenmemorialhome.com.