Julia Snittler Obituary (1916 - 2012)

Julia Lillian "Jensen" Snittler died peacefully at Oak Park Place in Madison following a struggle with cancer on Saturday, September 22, 2012. Julia was known to family and friends as Jo. She was born August 29, 1916, to Jesse and Dora (Hansen) Jensen both from Denmark in a quaint three-room log cabin built by her father. As a young girl, Julia grew up in Irvington, Wisconsin in Dunn County the seventh of twelve children. Through the years, many stories have been told of the new two-story, five-bedroom home built by her father. Julia was especially proud of her home and life living in the country. In 1934, Julia was the first child in the Jensen family to successfully obtain a high school diploma graduating from Dunn County Aggie School in Menomonie. As a young lady, she met Elsie "Swede" Snittler and they were married in June 1937. and lived in Downsville. They lived in Menomonie where their first child, Karen was born on March 9, 1942. In 1950, the family moved to Bremerton, Washington where Swede worked at the Bremerton Naval Shipyard. Scott was born soon after on January 28, 1953. In 1961, Julia, Swede and Scott moved back to Wisconsin--this time to Madison where Julia's brother Hans offered employment as "house parents" in one of several apartment houses he owned. Eventually they bought their own homes to rent to students. By 1963, the family moved to Middleton, Town of Springfield where they lived in Don's Mobile Manor. Filled with compassion and always taking an interest in others, Julia worked at the SAE Sorority House in Madison. Never was there a moment when the young college boys would play tricks on her and co-worker Fran. Julia always kept busy—whether it was a sewing project or cooking. She was always giving a homemade quilt or pillow to someone. Julia and Swede retired in 1977 in Irvington. On October 30, 1981, Swede passed away at the young age of 66. Julia remained in Menomonie and was re-acquainted with Laverne Ader who became her constant companion for 22 years until he became ill and passed away on December 14, 2005. Julia moved to Stoughton to be closer to family and later lived at Sienna Crest Assisted Living in Oregon where she developed new friendships and a routine where she felt secure and at home. Julia made friends easily and was always connected to family. She was generous, loving, and a very caring person who would do anything to help family in their time of need. She loved her grandchildren dearly and each shared a special bond of affection and respect. Julia is survived by her two children: Karen (Dick) Tofte, Stoughton and Scott (Monica) Snittler, Belleville. Four grandchildren: Mona Dudley, Madison; Lisa (Al) Raisbeck, Madison; Adrienne (Mike) Cleveland, Menomonie; Stephanie Snittler, Edgerton; Nine great-grandchildren; her two sisters: Dorothy Buckley and Lois Neubauer; in-law: Normy (Bill) Uetz; and a special niece, Susie (Jim) Froeschle and nephew, Merlin (Elaine) Ader and several fond nieces and nephews who each touched Julia's heart. She was preceded in death by her father and mother: Jesse and Dora Jensen; husband: Elsie (Swede) Snittler; brothers and sisters: Sena (Jerome) Ader; Bonnie (Francis and LaVerne) Ader; Lawrence (Alta) Jensen; Mary (Alfred) Kunz; Pearl (Harold) Neverdahl; Ruth (Lloyd and James) Stoeklen-Weiss; Vera and Verna (twins) Jensen; Hans Jensen. Brother-in-laws: Harold Buckley and Wayne Neubauer and in-laws: Alta (Lawrence) Jensen and Sylvia (Arnold) Holman. Julia's life will be celebrated at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 26, 2012 at New Hope Lutheran Church in Downsville, Wisconsin with Pastor Steve Carlson officiating. Burial will take place in St. John's Cemetery, Twp. Menomonie, Dunn County. Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the church. The family requests that memorials be made to St. John's Lutheran Cemetery. The family would like to especially thank the staff at Oak Park Nursing Home and Agrace Hospice for the wonderful care provided to Julia and support to the family.