Julie Schuur

Julia Josephine Schuur was called home on November 23, 2025 by her Living Lord and Personal Savior at the age of 98 years and 18 days. Well done, good and faithful servant.

Julia Josephine Sankey was born on November 5, 1927 to Dennis and Ethel (DeKraai) Sankey on the family farm in Moulton Township by Chandler, MN. She was baptized and confirmed at the Christian Reformed Church in Chandler. Julie attended the Chandler rural school system and graduated from Edgerton Public School. Her parents, especially her father, encouraged Julie to pursue her education and sacrificed much to allow her to attend St. Cloud Teachers College in St. Cloud, MN where Julie received her degree in elementary education in 1947.

On June 12, 1949, Julie married John Schuur at the Chandler Christian Reformed Church. To this union, three children were born, Steven, Diane, and Marlene. They lived in Chandler, Glascow, MT, Florence, MN, and then they purchased the farm called Lost Timber outside Chandler. In 1970, they moved to Luverne, MN and adopted Debra and Darrell in 1971. Teaching was her passion for 43 years. She educated children in the communities of Trosky, MN, Balaton, MN, Chandler and Luverne. In 1969 she completed her Bachelor of Arts through Sioux Falls College in Sioux Falls, SD. She was proud of the fact that she taught several sets of three generations and figured she was old enough to retire in 1991. Her commitment to education continued by providing college funds for the grandchildren and funding education savings accounts for her great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

Julie’s strong faith was evident in her dedication to Talking Bibles International. She traveled to India to distribute the first Talking Bibles in their native language. Julie spoke to many churches in the region and informed congregations about the importance of providing the Scriptures to people around the world who could not read. She was also very active in her church: directing choirs, teaching Sunday school, organizing salad luncheons and soup suppers. She started the Reformed Quilters who donated over 3,600 quilts to many local charities. Her favorite Bible verse was Philippians 4:13, “I can do everything through Christ who strengthens me.” Many times, Julie felt prodded by God to keep going when she wanted to give up.

Julie was very involved in the National Ataxia Foundation and served as a board member from the 1957 beginning. She organized clinics to collect blood samples for genetic testing. Julie contributed many hours of fundraising for research that resulted in the gene for Ataxia being identified. These efforts have eliminated Ataxia from her extended family tree and have helped many other families with different forms of Ataxia. In 2007, she was awarded the Outstanding Achievement Award for 50 years of commitment and volunteerism to the Foundation. After 61 years, she retired from the Board and received a standing ovation during the 2018 National Conference.

“Grandma Julie” helped many Vietnamese and Laotian immigrants settle into the local area. She assisted them with language, housing, finances, taxes, and adjusting to the American way of life.

Over the years, Julie served on the board or was an officer of Lost Timber Bible Camp, Center of Hope, Bible League, Luverne Lions, Mary Jane Brown Home, Justice for All, and Luverne Senior Citizens. In 2007, Julie was presented with the Melvin Jones Fellow for her dedication to the Luverne Lions Club International Foundation. Another area of service to her community was her 22 years of tax preparation with AARP Foundation Tax-Aide.

Julie is survived by her five children, Steven (Cindy) Schuur of Sioux City IA, Diane (Michael) Viehauser of Pillager, MN, Marlene Vos of Lakefield, MN, Debra (Jack) Stansbury of Sioux Falls, SD, and Darrell Schuur of Sioux Falls. Julie was blessed with 11 grandchildren, Tori (Drew) Marco, Mindy (Chris) Kemper, Chrystal Sheaff, Ryan (Laura Reiersgard) Repulske, Cathy Carlberg, Brett Repulske, Amber (Brent) Hruby, Lindsey (Jerrod Schubert) Carlberg, Dustin (Rachael) Schuur, Bonnie Schuur, Jackson Schuur, Aaron (Tracey) Viehauser, and Mary (Martin) Hallkvist. She was further blessed with 13 great-grandchildren, Jordan Peters, Collin (Hannah) Kemper, Alexia (Logan) Gray, Brooklyn Sheaff, Kase and Gage Repulske, Paxton and Isaiah Schubert, Haley and Abigayle Hruby, Elias, Evelyn and Katherine Schuur, Gavin Marco, and Mikko Viehauser. Recently, she was blessed again with great-great grandchildren, Cohen Kemper and Alaina Gray. Yes, that made five generations!!!

She is also survived by her brother, Willard Sankey of Edgerton, MN; sisters, Jean Sebek of Des Moines, IA, Evelyn Jordan of North Highlands, California, Erma Kladek of Gainesville, Florida, and Phyllis Moser of Oakdale, MN; and sisters-in-law; Rose Sankey and Carolyn Sankey. She was preceded in death by her husband; parents; sister, Caroline Peters; and brothers, Arnold and Harold.

In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to Talking Bibles International, 419 E Grand Ave, Escondido, CA 92025 OR the National Ataxia Foundation, 600 Highway 169 South Ste 1725, St Louis Park, MN 55426.

One day the Lord will call me, and I’ll fly away: free of this earth, finished with my work and finally with Him. I didn’t even have to pack. Want to come with me? Your ticket has already been paid for.