Julia “Julie” M. Boldon, 75, of Ontario passed away Sunday, Jan. 10, 2016, at the Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center in La Crosse, surrounded by her family.
Julie was born with a spring in her step on Jan. 11, 1940, to Vernon and Naida (Bell) Crouch in Hillsboro. After graduation, Julie moved to Milwaukee. She lived with her sister and waitressed for a few years before moving back to Ontario to help care for her father, who was ill. Then she started dating her high school friend, John “Jack” Boldon, and they were married at Community Baptist Church in Ontario 53 years ago. After a few years of marriage, Jack moved them out to the farm on Cook Creek for the next 47 years. Julie thought she was moving deep into the woods — it was four miles from town. She tended to cats, calves, horses and fish. She lived for the wagon train rides in the summer and was happy when Jack would let her drive the horse team. Julie was born and raised a country girl and loved it.
Julie worked for many years at the Ontario Elementary School and Brookwood High School cafeterias as a cook. A friendly face and a helpful hand was how Julie devoted her life. Ontario was a lucky village to have her live in. She was active in several organizations in town, such as the Ontario American Legion Ladies Auxiliary and Grace Community Church, to name a few. At church, she was a member of the choir and ladies, circle. She also helped teach Bible school.
Julie loved being with people and staying busy, but mostly she loved having fun, from bowling and going to dances with Jack, to fishing, camping and sewing with her friends. She felt young when she was hanging out with her kids. Julie looked forward to her monthly breakfast outings with her sisters in Sparta.
Music was so important to Julie. She sang any chance she could get with her sisters, daughters, or at any music venue she attended. She even made everyone sing when they were riding in the car. Her grandchildren lit up her world, and she cherished any time spent with them. Julie’s family was her world, and she was theirs. She will be missed.
Julie is survived by her husband of 53 years, Jack; her son, Terry “Monte” (Beth) Stoddard; two daughters, Verena (Kevin) Knoll and Heather (Ashley) Stebbins; five grandchildren, Jessica (Patrick) Compton, Shelby and Sydney Knoll, and Gavin and Gracin Stebbins; three great-grandchildren, Kaston, Carter and Juliana Compton; four sisters, Doris Stockton, Odetta Bloor, Alana New, and Letitia Thornton; along with many nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.
Julie was preceded in death by her parents; two sisters, La Verne Painter and Marlene Griffith; and two brothers, Herb and Terry Crouch.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 13, at Grace Community Church in Ontario. Pastor Bruce Milleman will officiate. Burial will follow in the Hilltop Rest Cemetery.
Family and friends are invited for visitation from 4–7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 12, at the church. Visitation also will be held from 10 a.m. until the time of services Wednesday.
The Torkelson Funeral Home of Ontario is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be offered at http://www.torkelsonfuneralhome.com/.
