Julie Gaumnitz

Julie Ann (Massey) Gaumnitz, 65, of Herrin, passed away Saturday, September 6, 2025 at her home in Herrin.

Julie was born in Mt. Pleasant Iowa to Margarie May Goode and Edward Slyvanius Massey on November 15, 1959. She was the youngest born child of four and grew up on a farm in Iowa.

Julie graduated from Colombus Community High School in 1978. And then earned her bachelor's in both Elementary Education and Special Education from Iowa Wesleyan University in 1982. For seven years, Julie worked as a teacher and dorm "parent" at the Iowa School for the Blind in Vinton where Mary Ingles (sister of Laura Ingles from Little House on the Prairie) once lived. It was at the Blind School where she met Robert Arnold Gaumnitz. The two married on Saturday, June 1, 1985 in Columbus Junction at the church she grew up in, the United Methodist Church of Columbus Junction. She then went on to complete her Masters of Orientation and Mobility from Western Michigan in 1990. She was hired in southern Illinois with Tri-County Special Education. In 1997, she and Bob adopted an infant from China. Julie served as an orientation and mobility specialist and vision instructor for about 31 years. Many students worked with Julie from kindergarten to their high school graduation. Some even kept up with her after they graduated. Julie helped hundreds of students and has been retired for the last 3 years. During her time away from work, Julie enjoyed Precious Moments, Crafts, Snowman, and spending time with her favorite child, Rascal. Additionally, she was a faithful member of First Christian Church of Herrin, enjoying going out with friends, and volunteered. Julie loved to talk to people and loved her community. Her favorite color was purple and her favorite drink was diet coke. She was and is loved by many and will be missed.

She is preceded in death by her parents, and husband. She is survived by her daughter, and many extended family and friends.

Julie's wishes were to be cremated, a Memorial Service will be 5:00 p.m. Saturday, September 13, 2025 at Meredith-Waddell Funeral Home in Herrin with Rev. Glenn Sanders officiating. Visitation will be 3:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home. Memorial donations in Julie's memory may be made to Lions of Illinois Foundation, 700 N. Peace Rd, Suite B, DeKalb, Illinois 60115 or to Leader Dogs for the Blind, 1039 S Rochester Rd | Rochester Hills, MI 48307-3115; envelopes will be available at the funeral home.