Julie Ann Rees

MADISON - Julie Rees, age 81, passed away at her assisted living community in Madison, Wis., with her son and daughter by her side on Thursday, Dec. 7, 2023.  She was born on May 10, 1942, in New Prague, Minn., the daughter of Lee and Mary Yackley (Coughlin).

Julie graduated from Central High Madison in 1960.  She married Richard Rees on Jan. 6, 1962. She had a 30-year career with the State of Wisconsin and was recognized for her dedication during her long tenure.  Prior to retirement, Julie was in a Fiscal Clerk role handling financial reimbursements.  Her most cherished role however, was being a Mother and a friend.  She was known by all the kids in the neighborhood and family as a ‘fun and lovable’ Mom.

Julie enjoyed Mother-Daughter travels after retiring to major US cities and road trips across the country with her sister.  If you knew Julie, you knew she loved to shop, watch special programs for later discussions/debate as well as playing card games like euchre and poker with friends and family. Julie also enjoyed league bowling with her husband and girlfriends.

Julie was a sincere, loving and extremely special person that enjoyed simple things that involved spending time with others.  Her kind nature was so apparent, anyone that knew her would say Julie was such a kind soul to all people she encountered.  

Julie is survived by her children, Liz Shoman (Dan) and Donald Rees (Sue) along with their children Rianna Murray and Devon Murray (Alexandra); and grandchildren, Cooper and Maeby.  She is further survived by her siblings, Richard Yackley (Trish), Mary Lou Zweifel (Ron) and Patti Prikry (Karel); a very special niece, Vickie O’Connor; and many other dear nieces and nephews.    

Julie was preceded in death by her son, Kelly; husband, Richard; her parents; and sister, Dorothy Senko.

A special acknowledgement to Oak Park Place of Madison staff for taking such great care of Julie in her assisted living community.  The caregivers were so kind and appreciated by Julie and her family for their compassion.

In keeping with Julie’s wishes, a celebration of life will be held in the Spring of 2024 in Madison.  

In lieu of flowers, Julie would have appreciated donations in her memory to The American Heart Association:

·Online at heart.org for contactless memorial donations.

·Call 800-242-8721 to discuss memorial donation method options.

Online condolences can be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson West

Funeral & Cremation Care

7435 University Ave.

(608) 831-6761