Elaine L. Julius

Elaine L. Julius, age 99, of Olivia passed away peacefully on March 2, 2023 under the care of Hospice.  Elaine was born November 15, 1923 in Minneapolis, MN to Otto and Thelma (Latham) Buhman.  When she was a child her family moved to Osceola Township, rural Bird Island, MN where she attended country school.  On June 3, 1944 she married Virgil G. Julius at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Bird Island.  Their marriage was blessed by the birth of four children, David, Orlin, Virlaine and Curtis.  In 1969they moved from the farm to Olivia.  They loved their weekends at the cabin and a great game of cards and being Luther League Counselors.  Virgil preceded her in death in May 1991.  Elaine moved to Parkview Place in April 2017 and in October 2021 to Bethesda Grand in Willmar.  She had always been active in bible study, altar guild and member of Cross of Calvary Lutheran Church in Olivia.  She was a member of the Bird Island American Legion Auxiliary for 70 years.  Mom was a great cook, enjoyed entertaining, made every holiday special for her family and made wonderful Kolaches and Special K Bars that her family devoured.  She was faithful at keeping journals, enjoyed watching ice skating and horse racing on TV and especially loved spending time with her family.

Elaine is survived by her four children; David (Carol) Julius of Reedsburg, WI, Orlin Julius (Nancy Feick) of Crystal, MN, Virlaine Pedersen (Tom Barth) of Fargo, ND and Curtis Julius of Elk River, MN.  She is also survived by nine grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren.  Elaine was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Virgil, son-in-law Tom Pedersen and her two sisters and brothers-in-law, Vivian (Claude) Johnson and Helen (Merton) Sing.

The family appreciates everyone at Parkview Place in Olivia and Bethesda Grand in Willmar for the wonderful care provided.  A heartfelt thanks to Chuck and Harriet Einerson for their over 50 years of friendship and being there for her and to Gordy Sing for their friendly competition as to who sees the first Robin each spring.

To honor Elaine, a funeral and celebration of her life will be held on Wednesday, March 15, 2023 at 1:00PM at Cross of Calvary Lutheran Church in Olivia.Visitation one hour prior to the service with lunch to follow.  Elaine will be laid to rest next to Virgil at Bird Island Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations in her memory to CentraCare Hospice-Willmar, 301 Becker Ave., Willmar, MN 56201.