Julie Ann Stern

Julie Ann (Harris) Stern, 68, beloved wife of Terry Stern, of Marshalltown, Iowa, passed away peacefully on June 19, 2025. Her life was a testament to devotion, resilience, and unwavering love.

Born on January 21, 1957, in Marshalltown, Julie was the daughter of Eugene L. and Donna Mae Harris. From an early age, Julie was immersed in the family business, Gene Harris Antique Auctions. With passion and determination, Julie followed in her father’s footsteps to become an auctioneer, carrying on the family legacy before passing the reins to her younger brother, Tom.

In later years, Julie stepped away from her career to become a devoted caregiver to her husband following his stroke. Her strength, faith, and steadfast love carried them both through difficult times.

A lifelong member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Julie was a pillar in her Franciscan Group and a beacon of faith in the Catholic community. Her belief in God provided her guidance, comfort, and resilience throughout her life.

Julie loved being outdoors and had a deep appreciation for nature—she enjoyed fishing, foraging, gardening, cooking, traveling, antique shopping, and most of all, spending time with her family. Julie was the embodiment of unconditional love and quiet strength, forever placing others before herself.

A viewing will be held at Mitchell Funeral Home on Wednesday June 25th from 5pm -7pm. A Catholic Mass of Christian Burial will follow the next day at St. Mary’s Catholic Church at 10:30am, with interment at Riverside Cemetery. A luncheon is to follow.

Julie’s legacy of love, service, and faith will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

Julie is survived by her beloved husband, Terry Dale Stern, and their three children: Amanda (Tim Briggs), Timothy Stern, and Holly (Mike Abeltins). Julie was a proud and loving grandmother to Natalie, Joseph, and Jordyn St. Clair; Tarin, Bryton, Angelie, and Amaya Stern; and Tristan Bailey.

She is also survived by her brothers, Jeff Harris, Terry Harris (Patrick Vaassen), and Tom Harris; and by her extended family through marriage: Jesse Stern (Melody), Linda Stern, Gwen Albee (Dale), and Gary Stern (Lynn). Her uncle Larry Lavender (Loreen) and numerous nieces and nephews.

Julie was preceded in death by her parents, Eugene and Donna Mae Harris; her parents-in-law, Gale H. and Helen Stern; her brother-in-law, Larry Stern; and her sister-in-law, Gayle Mach.

Memorials may be directed to the family of Julie Stern.