Julie A. (Keenan) Koelsch

Julie A. Koelsch (née Keenan), 84, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 9, 2024. Born in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, on August 30, 1940, Julie graduated from Divine Savior Holy Angels High School in 1958 and earned a degree in education from Marquette University in 1962. Her career included teaching in Milwaukee Public Schools, as well as creative work in sales and interior design.

While Julie found fulfillment in her professional life, her greatest legacy was the love she shared with family and friends. She had a remarkable gift for effortlessly connecting with people, making everyone she met feel welcome, valued, and loved.

Julie’s life was enriched by the love of her cherished family and friends, whose support— especially over the past six years—was a great comfort to her and deeply appreciated by her family. Among the many enduring relationships she nurtured, the lifelong sisterhood of her Kappa sorority and the close bonds she shared with her neighbors held a special place in her heart and remained a source of joy throughout her life.

Julie also found happiness in the things that sparked her spirit. She was an avid reader who eagerly anticipated her book club gatherings, a creative soul who found expression through painting, and she found peace and joy outdoors—especially on the golf course.

Julie is survived by her daughter, Tracy McClain (John), and her beloved granddaughter, Lauren; her sisters, Kathleen Rushmer (Jim) and Maureen Keenan; in-laws Mary Jane Koelsch and Lee Seidel; as well as many nieces and nephews whom she held dear. She was preceded in death by her parents, George and Myrtle; her husband, Frank; her brother, Terry Keenan (Darlene); and in laws Bill Koelsch and Barbara Seidel.

A visitation will be held on Friday, July 25, 2025, at St. Mary’s Visitation Parish, 1260 Church Street, Elm Grove, Wisconsin, from 10:30 AM until the time of the Mass at 12:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites donations to honor Julie and her love for Divine Savior, gifts can be made to the Julie A. Koelsch, DS '58 Scholarship Fund. Donations can be made to https://www.dsha.info/support-dsha/annual-giving or Divine Savior Holy Angels High School 4257 N 100th St. Milwaukee, WI 53222 (Please write in her name for donation). Julie leaves behind a legacy of warmth, connection, and love—reflected in the many lives she touched and the lasting bonds she so effortlessly nurtured.

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