Hastings - Julette "Julie" Adelle Jasperson, age 78, of Hastings, transitioned peacefully while physically surrounded in the loving embrace of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren on December 9, 2024.
Julette Adelle began her life journey on October 25, 1946, in Thief River Falls, born to Clarence and Myrtle (Nelson) Weckwerth.
The endless stories of growing up on a northern farm delighted and enriched those around her with reflections of how things used to be. Julie enjoyed sharing her memories of her early life with cold winters, no indoor plumbing and being one of six kids which meant she was truly blessed and never bored. It was well known that her mother was her favorite cook and no one could hold a candle to what she created in the kitchen.
True to Julie's passion in the field of medicine she found her journey guiding her fresh out of high school through nursing school. She started out working as an LPN in a hospital in Phoenix, AZ. This was the beginning of a decades-long career that she took great pride in. Soon marriage and motherhood had her stepping to the side to run her own business of an in-home daycare while her children were young. Through difficult times when most would want to give up she always found a way to be creative and compromise to take care of her kids.
Deciding she had not fulfilled her goals in higher education she acted on the decision to return to college and earn her RN degree from Arizona State University. She was known to take her kids to some of these classes where they would sit in the back and try to absorb what their mother excelled at. Many late nights she could be found with a project waiting in the sewing machine and her head resting on a textbook taking a brief nap. In the midst of all of this, Julie somehow found the time to coach her kids' softball and baseball teams, lead girl scouts and sew church choir robes. Nothing could stop her determination to create and provide.
Eventually her career took her through all areas of nursing within the Mayo Clinic system. Health issues had retirement come earlier than she expected. This didn't find her slowing down. Becoming a grandmother then great-grandmother became her favorite role in life. The mention of seeing "Grandma Julie" always lit up little faces with excitement. Museums, trips to movies and making special blankets that would carry on to future generations are just a few examples of how she gave everything to this stage of her life. Rhubarb, the Minnesota Twins and a good debate will be a few ways she will quickly come to mind. No one was left questioning how she felt as she was a firm believer in speaking her mind. It is well known that Julie took delight in embracing all that came into her world as her own. Whether born into it or joining in they are hers regardless.
Julie taught us the courage of stars before she left. How light carries on endlessly, even after death. With shortness of breath she explained the infinite. And how rare and beautiful it is to even exist. Her legacy will move forward practicing kindness, love and celebrating her life as she hoped for.
Julie is once again with her mother and father; sister, Lorrie Townley; brother, James Weckwerth; and nephew, James "Jimmy" Weckwerth.
Julie is survived by her children, Kimberly (Scott) Piersel, Jeffrey (Theresa) Jasperson; grandchildren, Brandon (Shyanne) Salchow, Joseph (Marisa) Salchow, Johanas (Amanda) Harrer, Eli Piersel, Trevor James and Martina Jasperson; great-grandchildren, Trey and Ryker Salchow, Shawn Harrer, Layla and Forest Salchow; brother, Gene (Eunice) Weckwerth; sisters, Myrna Weckwerth and Alyce Weckwerth; as well as many nieces and nephews.
Services for Julie will be held at a later date in the spring when all of her family can attend. All memorials should be directed towards pancreatic cancer research in the Weckwerth family name.
Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel of Hastings is handling arrangements.
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