Mary Lou Julich

Mary Lou (Madigan) Julich peacefully entered into the Lord’s hands at Mercy Hospital in Des Moines at the age of 84, on May 3rd, 2020. Private Family Funeral Services will be held at the Sharp Funeral Home in Carroll on Wednesday, May 6, 2020 with Fr. Gary Snyder officiating. When Covid-19 Restrictions are lifted, A Memorial Mass will be held at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church with burial in St. Francis of Assisi Cemetery in Maple River. A Live Stream Broadcast and recording of Mary Lou’s service can be found by visiting the Sharp Funeral Home Carroll, Iowa YouTube Channel at this link: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqd2eeRJk5RTdEJoEooUoAQ. An Icon on that page will be available by 10:55 a.m. on Wednesday. Those wishing to mail their memorial may direct it to: Mary Lou Julich Family c/o Sharp Funeral Home, 226 W. 8th Street, Carroll, IA 51401. Funeral arrangements are under the guidance of the Sharp Funeral Home in Carroll, and online condolences may be left for Mary Lou’s family at www.sharpfuneral.com. She was born in Carroll on April 13, 1936 to Thomas and Marguerite (Wieland) Madigan. Raised on a farm outside of Carroll, she spent much of her childhood outdoors with her sisters, playing paper dolls and swinging under the shade tree. She was an active member of 4-H and excelled in speech. The oldest of seven children, she enjoyed helping her mother around the house, and with her younger siblings. Mary Lou married her high school sweetheart, Maurice Julich, at St. Joseph’s Church in Carroll, on June 4, 1955. The happy couple enjoyed dancing and traveling to Christian events. Together they made a home on the Julich farm near Maple River, where they raised their six beloved children: Diane (Michael) Julich Bealka (Inver Grove Heights, MN), Mark Julich (Sioux City), Lori Julich Lawler (Spirit Lake), Kris Julich Leiting (Breda), Kevin Julich (Maple River) and the late Richard (Stacie) Julich (Carroll). Mary Lou was a female role model, whose external beauty was surpassed only by her internal beauty. She was poised and had a knack for style, just like her mother, the woman she spent her life trying to mirror. She displayed her chic style, bright smile and flawless lipstick on the floors of Sernett Department Store, where she worked until its eventual closing. She was a ribbon-winning seamstress who adorned her children with handmade clothing. Her embroidered pillow cases and hand towels with their fresh from the closet, Vanderbilt-tinged scent, were coveted gifts by bridal couples, friends and family. While she was admired for her talents and sense of style, what she will be remembered for most is her kind heart and embodiment of a faith-based life. Mary Lou was part of the last graduating class of St Angela’s Academy for Girls (1954) and was a true dedicated Christian woman. Her deep spirituality and relationship with Jesus showed in all aspects of her life. She cherished being a parishioner of St Francis and Our Lady of Mount Carmel churches through Ladies Guild, eucharistic ministry and lectoring. Mary Lou radiated love and had a gift for making those around her feel special. She had a remarkable way of remembering anniversaries and birthdays and loved sending cards. She was a wonderful homemaker and cook. She enjoyed music, reading, keeping up with current events, chatting with her loved ones and reminding others that God is beside us on our daily journeys. Mary Lou was a loving and devoted grandmother to all 23 of her grandchildren and 22 great grandchildren, whom she so proudly placed throughout her handmade scrapbooks. She blessed them with years of annual Easter egg hunts, birthday cakes for Jesus, and holiday gatherings. Lifelong bonds will remain because of the values she instilled through family traditions. Those values will be passed on for generations to come and her legacy will live on. Whether one called her wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt or friend, her selfless, kind, and forgiving heart shone through to all. She was the true definition of grace. Mary Lou is survived by her husband Maury, her children, grandchildren and great-children; sisters Dee (late Windy) Winn, of Mount Pleasant, Ruth (Bob) Julich of Georgia, Deb (Mark) Boell of Carroll; brothers Tom (Linda) Madigan of Spirit Lake, Jim (Leslie) of California, Mike (Julie) of Carroll; several in-laws; numerous nieces, nephews and extended family and friends. She is reunited in Heaven with her son Richard Julich, infant children Scott Julich and Mary Beth Julich, grandson Bryan Julich, and her parents, Thomas & Marguerite Madigan, and many other loved ones.

Mary Lou Julich

April 13, 1936 - May 3, 2020