In Loving Memory of Julie Kasabuske

May 16, 1960 - September 27, 2026

On Sunday, September 27, 2026, Julie Kasabuske climbed the Stairway to Heaven, surrounded by her loving family after a courageous battle with cancer. At 66 years old, Julie left this world, but her song is far from over. Her love, laughter, creativity, and unforgettable spirit will continue to echo through the lives of everyone fortunate enough to have known her. Though her final curtain has fallen, the music she brought into our lives will play on forever.

Born on May 16, 1960, Julie was our very own Brown Eyed Girl, the beloved daughter of John and Donna Pelczynski (Dertz). She was a cherished sister to Dale (Jodi) Pelczynski, Carol (Dan) Polski, and Jeff (Anni) Pelczynski; a loving mother to Shelly and Michael; a proud grandma to Matthew, Athena, Joshua, and Nathan; and a beloved aunt to many nieces and nephews. Above all, Julie treasured her family and the life she built with her husband, Jon.

Julie met Jon in 1975, and what began as a young love grew into a lifetime together when they married in 1980. Over their 46 years together, they built a life centered on family, love, and lasting memories. Whether they were raising their children, sharing good food, listening to music, or spending time with friends, Jon and Julie were happiest side by side. Their life together was filled with the everyday moments that became treasured memories-the laughter shared around a table, the songs that became part of their story, and the friendships that enriched their lives. Through every chapter, they created a lifetime of memories and a family that will carry their love forward for generations. Their story reminds us that sometimes All You Need Is Love, a favorite song, good friends, and someone to share it all with.

When both of her children were in school, Julie began her long career with Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS), where she discovered her love of teaching. Her passion for helping children learn and grow became an important part of her life's work. Julie also had a lifelong love of art, which inspired her to attend the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD), where she earned an art degree. She used her artistic talents to teach and inspire countless children, helping young minds discover their own creativity and proving that Teach Your Children is about so much more than lessons found in a book. After leaving MPS, Julie continued her work with the Tri-Parish community, bringing her caring heart and creative spirit to another chapter of her life.

Julie's greatest masterpiece was the family she raised and the relationships she nurtured. She was her children's biggest fan, spending countless hours at football fields, baseball diamonds, cross-country races, softball fields, and drill competitions. Whether cheering from the sidelines or celebrating a victory, Julie always showed up. She was there through the Glory Days, the hard days, and everything in between. Her children never had to wonder if their biggest supporter would be there-she was always in their corner. She didn't need a Magic Carpet Ride to travel far and wide; she was happy to go wherever her children needed her.

Julie was also famously known as the neighborhood mom. Her home was a place where her children's friends were never just visitors; they were family. There was always room at the table, something to share, and a welcoming place for one more. No one needed a special invitation because Julie made sure everyone knew they belonged. Her generosity reminded everyone that We Are Family, and her home was proof that some of life's best memories are made around a kitchen table, surrounded by good people and plenty of laughter. For so many, Julie was a second mom, a trusted friend, and a familiar face who made the world feel a little warmer.

Julie lived life with a generous heart and a creative soul. She found joy in teaching, art, family, and supporting the people she loved. Whether she was inspiring children in her classroom, cheering on her family, or welcoming friends into her home, Julie had a way of making people feel special. She touched so many lives, leaving behind a little piece of herself in everyone she met. As the song You're My Best Friend reminds us, some people make life better simply by being part of it, and Julie was that person to so many. She gave so much of herself without ever needing the spotlight, leaving behind a legacy of love, kindness, and memories that will last a lifetime.

Throughout her life, Julie made countless friends who became more like family. She had a way of making everyone feel welcome, whether they were lifelong friends or someone she had just met. Her door was always open, there was always room for one more at the table, and there was never a shortage of laughter or stories to share. For those who knew Julie, she truly was You've Got a Friend come to life, always there when someone needed her. Her warmth could brighten even the cloudiest day, much like Here Comes the Sun, and her friendship left a lasting mark on everyone she met. As we remember Julie, we can't help but wish for just one more conversation, one more laugh, or one more chance to make another memory with her. Though she may be gone, the friendships she built and the love she shared will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

Though we wish we could have One More Day with her, we take comfort in imagining Julie free from pain, her spirit soaring like a Free Bird. Somewhere beyond the clouds, perhaps the band is playing, the music is loud, and there's a place at the table for everyone she loves. After all, Life's Been Good because Julie was part of ours.

Julie, thank you for the love you gave, the children you inspired, the friends you welcomed, and the family you held together. You taught us that love is shown by showing up, that there's always room for one more, and that the best parts of life are meant to be shared. Your time here may have ended, but your melody will live on in every heart you touched.

You may have left the stage, Julie, but you will never leave our hearts. May you rest peacefully Somewhere Over the Rainbow, forever loved, forever missed, and forever playing in the soundtrack of our lives.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that a memorial contribution be made to Arts @ Large: www.artsatlargeinc.org/support-us/ or by mail at 1100 S. 5th Street, Milwaukee, WI 53204.

The family is hosting funeral services on November 7, 2026, at St. Helen's Church, 3329 S. 10th Street, Milwaukee, WI 53215. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m., church services will be from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., and there will be a luncheon to follow.