Julie R. Sturbaum

Julie Renee Sturbaum

“Those that we love never truly leave us, Harry. There are things that death cannot touch." - Dumbledore 

Our beloved JuJu passed away unexpectedly on February 11, 2025, at the age of 63 following an acute illness. Her absence leaves a space that can never be filled, but her kindness, laughter, and unwavering compassion will echo in the hearts of all those she touched.

A gathering to honor and celebrate Julie’s life will be held on Monday, February 17, 2025, from 5–8 p.m.at Murdoch-Linwood Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Cedar Rapids, beginning with a St. Luke’s Nurses Society service at 5 p.m.—a tribute to her years of dedication and care. Her funeral service will take place on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, at 1 p.m. at the funeral home, followed by burial at Mt. Calvary Cemetery. 

Julie’s life was one of service and care, both in her career and in her personal life. Whether through her decades of dedication as a nurse or her unwavering commitment to children and family, she lived with a deep sense of purpose—offering love, stability, and compassion to all who were lucky enough to know her.

Julie was the firstborn daughter of Stephen and Mary Ellen (Profitt) Sturbaum, born on May 23, 1961. She spent a couple of years as the only granddaughter and daughter, dazzling everyone with her charm. She was quickly joined by siblings and took on the role of eldest, smartest, and most protective. Excelling in her studies and passionate about her extracurriculars—basketball and softball—she carried that dedication through her graduation from Jefferson High School in 1979. She went on to earn her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Iowa in 1985 and later pursued a master’s degree from Capella University.

Julie dedicated 40 years of her life to St. Luke’s Hospital, beginning her career in July 1985 as a surgical assistant in the operating room. Over the years, she took on many roles, always with the same dedication and compassion, eventually serving as Director of Surgical Services before retiring in November 2024.

Beyond her career, Julie found joy in life’s simple pleasures—Friday night softball games, attending family events, reading, and theater. She especially loved the works of Shakespeare and Agatha Christie. A true Trekkie at heart, she drew wisdom from the saga and never missed an opportunity to share a favorite quote. More than anything, Julie believed in the power of family and that every child deserved to be cherished and supported. She lived that belief wholeheartedly through her commitment to foster parenting, opening her heart and home to those in need.

Inspired by her grandparents, Julie developed a deep love for travel, seizing every opportunity to explore new places. Her adventures not only fueled her passion for history, photography, and the arts but also strengthened the bonds she shared with family and friends. She embraced new experiences wholeheartedly, always eager to learn, and travel became one of her greatest passions.

More recently, Julie met her love, Jerry, through her 15(ish) years of volunteering at the Midwest Central Railroad for the Midwest Old Threshers Reunion. Jerry and Julie were planning a July wedding, and she was so looking forward to the next season of life—with adult kids and her new husband.

Julie is deeply missed by her fiancé, Jerry Crouch; her children, Christian and Katie; her dad, Stephen; and her siblings, John (Linda), Jackie, and Missy (Lori); Her aunt Linda, & Her Ohio family. She was the beloved aunt of Jared, Brett, Kallee, Alex, and DQ (John & Linda’s); Jacob, Lacey, Jenna, Jessie, and Luke (Jackie’s); and C.J. and Emma (Missy & Lori’s).

She took immense pride in being a GREAT great-aunt to Allaunna, Izabella, and Theo (Kallee & DQ’s); Lilly and Garrison (Jacob & Lacey’s); Jaxon (Jenna’s); and Stephen, Drake, and Israel (Jessie & Luke’s).

We find comfort in knowing that Julie’s journey continues beyond this life, reunited in love with those who went before her—treasured aunts and uncles, her mom, Mary Ellen Sturbaum; her brother, Stephen Charles; her nephews and niece, Chad, Patrick, and Kara; her grandparents, Gladys and Marv, Ruby and Charlie; and her faithful companion, Muffin.

Above all else, Julie's compassion for others was her legacy. Her loyalty, presence, and open heart left an impact on everyone who knew her. We invite all to come together to share stories, honor her memory, and carry forward the warmth she brought into the world.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Families Helping Families and the Cedar Valley Humane Society in memory of Julie.

"To a well-organized mind, death is but the next great adventure." — Dumbledore