In Memory of Juliann Christie

Juliann Christie, age 86, of Schleswig, Iowa, passed away on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at the Denison Care Center of Denison Iowa.

A Funeral Service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Monday, January 19, 2026, at the United Church of Christ in Schleswig, Iowa. Pastor Kirk Manchester will officiate. Committal Services will follow in the Morgan Township Cemetery in Schleswig, Iowa.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., on Sunday, January 18, 2026, at the United Church of Christ in Schleswig, Iowa.

Memorials may be directed to the BASIC Fund Schleswig or to the Schleswig Library, in memory of Juliann

The Christensen-Van Houten Funeral Home of Ida Grove, Iowa, is in charge of the funeral arrangements.  Condolences may be sent online at www.christensenvanhouten.com

Juliann “Julie” Nancy (Grill) Christie entered the world on April 30, 1939, in rural Crawford County, Iowa, born to Werthus P. and Lillian C. (Wellendorf) Grill. From the very beginning, faith and family shaped her life. She was baptized as an infant at Frieden’s Evangelical and Reformed Church in Schleswig, Iowa and confirmed there in 1954 by Rev. A. F. Rinne, choosing John 17:3 as her confirmation verse. 

Julie grew up learning the value of hard work, kindness, and community. She attended Crawford County rural schools through the eighth grade and graduated from Schleswig Community School in 1956. She continued her education at the Commercial Extension School of Commerce in Omaha, Nebraska and she later worked for two years at Securities Acceptance Corporation. 

On January 18, 1959, she married Bruce G. Christie at Frieden Evangelical and Reformed Church, with Rev. Walter Baumgartner officiating. Together they built a life rooted in faith, family, and service, raising three sons: Kevin, Kirk, and Keith, who were the pride of her life. 

Julie’s working years reflected her generous spirit. She devoted 18 years as a teacher’s aide and secretary to the high school principal in Schleswig, quietly supporting students and staff alike. She later served as secretary for the Boys & Girls Home Denison Day Treatment Center for 7 ½  years, continuing her lifelong commitment to helping young people thrive. Julie most cherished her years’ operating an in-home daycare. Her home became a place of warmth, safety, laughter, and love. She cared for each child as if they were her own, and in return, they loved her just the same, a bond that time could never erase. 

A lifetime member of the United Church of Christ in Schleswig, Julie lived her faith through action. She participated in Evening Guild, Church Council, taught Sunday School and Vacation Bible School, served on various church committees, and volunteered with the Schleswig Meals Program. Wherever help was needed, Julie was there to lend a helping hand. 

In her quieter moments, Julie found joy in knitting, playing cards, and listening to good music that lifted her spirit. Yet what people will remember most is not what she did, but how she made them feel, welcomed, encouraged, and cared for. Her gentle smile, unwavering positivity, and sweet demeanor left an imprint on everyone fortunate enough to know her. 

Left to carry on her memory are her children Kevin (Peggy) Christie of Ida Grove, IA, Kirk Christie of Slater, IA and Keith (Amy) Christie of Council Bluffs, IA; grandchildren: Bradley (Melodie) Christie of Lidderdale, IA, Nathan Christie of Dubuque, IA, Courtney Christie of Omaha, NE, and Alex Christie of Council Bluffs, IA; great grandchildren Cole Christie and Ellie Orcutt; bonus grandchildren: Kristopher (April) O’Tool of Grimes, IA, Bridgett (Alex) Lauerman of Overland Park, KS, Anthony (Sadie) O’Tool of Bronson, IA, Aaron (Gina) O’Tool of Victoria, MN and Shawn (Emily Grove) O’Tool of Sioux Falls, SD; bonus great grandchildren:, Brynlee and Ethan Lauerman, Georgia and Calvin O’Tool, and Reese (Noah Grant) Dameron and Taylor Dameron; bonus great-great grandchild Georgia Rae Grant; nephew Mark (Barb) Evers; and her “special girls & boys”: Tia, Tessa, Tanna, Kamryn, Lacey, Amelia, Elliot and Royce; extended family and friends.

Julie was preceded in death by her parents Werthus and Lillian Grill; husband Bruce Christie (1992); brother Harris Grill (1962); sister May Lou (Everett) Evers (2005); niece Jaye Claussen; and sister in-law Geraldine (Wayne) Dankert.