Julianna M. "Julie" Kloep

Julianna (Julie) M. Kloep, born in September 1932, took her final journey on May 21, 2025. She passed peacefully at home, surrounded by love.
She is survived and will be deeply missed by her husband of 72 years, Bernard; her children, Michael (Chelle), Julie Ann (Will), Karen, and Geralyn; her grandchildren, Elizabeth, Christopher, Rebecca, Megan (Sam), Matthew (Katie), Jillian (Jay), Stephen, Mark, Ben, Thomas (Taylor), and Dylan; and her great-grandchildren, Brooklyn, Charles, Finnegan, Ethan, Aiden, and Maeve. She is also survived by her brother, Robert, and her sister, Mary Alice. Julie was predeceased by her daughters, Margaret and Michelle, and her son-in-law, Doug.
Born and raised in Chicago, Julie met Bernie in high school, and the two remained sweethearts for life. She was a devoted mother who considered raising her children not just a calling but her life's profession. She took great pride in their lives and supported them with love, care, and presence. Favorite memories include the times she served with the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, creating meaningful experiences alongside her children and family vacations.
After becoming empty nesters, Julie and Bernie traveled to many destinations together. They also gave selflessly to their community by volunteering for over 20 years at Del Webb, where they planned and led many adventures for fellow residents.
Julie especially cherished her role as a grandmother. Her grandchildren have many fond memories of being "spoiled rotten," and, when misbehaving, of her joking threat to "whip them with a wet noodle." Sleepovers, lunches at McDonald's, holiday traditions, and countless other moments live on in their hearts. Her great-grandchildren also knew her deep love-shown in life's simple pleasures, like miniature individual homemade pies, chocolate milk that she called coffee and reading books together.
Julie was a strong and independent woman. She spoke her mind and shared her thoughts freely, always grounded in honesty and care. She was a loyal and loving friend with a deep commitment to her Catholic faith. She and Bernie were longtime members of both St. Jude’s the Apostle and St. Mary Catholic Churches. Julie had a lifelong love of flowers and gardening-her home overflowed with thriving indoor plants, and her outdoor gardens were a true source of pride and joy.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, May 25, 2025, from 2:00–4:00 p.m. at De Fiore Funeral Home, 10763 Dundee Road, Huntley. A second visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m. on Monday, followed by a 10:00 a.m. Funeral Mass at St. Mary Catholic Church, 10307 Dundee Road, Huntley. Burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital at www.stjude.org.
For more information, please contact the funeral home at 847-515-8772, or share condolences online at www.defiorefuneral.com.