Juluia J. Steinke

Juluia J. "Julie" Steinke, born Turner, passed away peacefully at home in Belvidere, Illinois, on June 9, 2025, at the age of 93, with her caring granddaughter Bridget by her side.

Julie was born on June 19, 1931, in Pocahontas, Arkansas to Hubert and Delila Turner.  Over the course of her long life, she witnessed and experienced nearly a century of change with grace and resilience. Her journey took her from her birthplace in Arkansas to Illinois, where she spent most of her adult life.  She worked as an Administrative Assistant at Rock Valley College as well as The Abilities Center.  She had a passion for bird watching and each May anticipated the return of her favorite, the hummingbirds. 

Family was so important to Julie and her memory lives on through her children: Francine (Larry) Carr, Lawrence (Laura) Latino, Patrick (Sue) Latino, and Sarah Latino; thirteen grandchildren: Bridget (Stephan), Aaron (Chelsie), Danielle (Kent), Joshua (Jeff), Neal, Maegan (Jimmy), Brandon (Deanna), Ashley (Christina), Lindsay (Dan), Aric (Julie), Kayla (Chelsea), Kyle (Dominique), and Josephine (Ben); nineteen great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; siblings Billie, Edward, Sarah Lou, and Bobby; first husband and father of her children Anthony T. Latino; second husband Lawrence G. Steinke; grandson Anthony Thomas Latino; and special lifelong friend Claudine Gargani-Uetz.

“May it be a time when feelings of closeness are sweetly conveyed, when truths are spoken, when smiles appear, and when you "just know", warm within your heart, that your angel is always near.” - "An Angel Prayer For You" by Douglas Pagels

May her memory bring comfort to those who knew her.

A celebration honoring Julie's life will be held in Arkansas at a later date.

A special heartfelt thanks to OSF Hospice and nurse Gina for taking the most special care of our Granny.  

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