Donald E. "Don" Julie

MADISON - Don Julie passed away on October 25, 2026, at his home in Madison, Wis. He was born on January 19, 1933, in Milwaukee, Wis. He married Shockey Dadian in 1960 and they enjoyed almost 66 years of marriage together.

Don will be deeply missed by his family: his wife, Shockey; children, David (Kate) Julie, Karen (Tom) Johnson and Dan (Colleen) Julie; grandchildren, Kyle (Emily) Johnson, Jack (MaryBeth) Johnson, Gabbi (Alex) Christianson and Joseph Julie; seven great-grandchildren; sister, Kathy (Ray) Ashworth; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Don earned his bachelor’s degree in mathematics at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. After serving three years in the United States Army, Don returned to the University of Wisconsin-Madison on the GI Bill and completed his master’s degree in mathematics in 1959. Don met his wife, Shockey, at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and after graduation they lived briefly in Minneapolis and Madison before moving to New York for Don’s career at IBM.

After retiring from IBM, Don and Shockey returned to Madison, Wis., where they enjoyed being closer to family and taking advantage of university lectures, theatre performances, and Badgers sporting events. Don treasured the time he shared with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He loved spending time outdoors, and family camping trips in New York and Wisconsin gave the family many cherished memories and wonderful stories. He enjoyed fishing trips to Northern Wisconsin with his son and grandson.

During retirement, Don and Shockey enjoyed extensive international and domestic adventures. National Parks were some of their favorite destinations, including ten hiking trips in the Grand Canyon.

Don’s love of nature and wildlife reignited his lifelong interest in photography. He enjoyed exploring the natural world through his photography and learning about advances in camera equipment and software. He also found friends who shared his passion for photography. Together, they visited parks and natural areas, encouraged one another, and put together photography exhibits for various locations including the Fitchburg Library and the UW Arboretum.

The family will remember Don for his quick wit, appreciation for nature, and the many adventures he shared with those he loved.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, Ray and Eleanor Julie; brother and sister-in-law, Ray and Pat Julie; in-laws, Mihran and Vartenie Dadian; brother-in-law, Charles Dadian; and sisters and brothers-in-law, Mary and Mark Akgulian, and Margaret and Richard Williams.

A memorial gathering will be held at GUNDERSON FITCHBURG FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 2950 Chapel Valley Road, Fitchburg, at 11: 30 a.m. on Monday, November 2, 2026. A meal and time of sharing will follow from 12 noon until 2 p.m. at the funeral home.

To honor Don’s passion for the natural environment, his family suggests donations to the UW Arboretum or the International Crane Foundation in lieu of flowers. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson Fitchburg
Funeral & Cremation Care
2950 Chapel Valley Road
(608) 442-5002