Julia Harleen Klenske

Julia Harleen (Egan) Klenske passed on June 15, 2022, at the Azria Health Prairie Ridge Care and Rehabilitation Center in Mediapolis, Iowa following a long illness.

Born to William John Egan and Helen Maxine (Heaton) Egan on October 7th, 1941, Julia was known for her out-going personality, love of people, high energy, ability to tell stories and huge heart. A native of Mediapolis she often recalled her times as a majorette and basketball player at Mediapolis High School. She loved seeing old friends at the class reunions. Following high school she moved to Iowa City, worked as a candy-striper and met her husband, Tony.

Following their marriage, the couple moved with their son, Tim, to the suburbs of Chicago. Julia worked as a manager of the toy department at Sears (Tim enjoyed that!) and as a real estate broker for Coldwell Banker for 15 years. She loved the city of Chicago with its vibrant arts scene, great shopping (she couldn't pass a resale store without stopping), restaurants and the Chicago Bears. Julia also loved the city of Atlanta which she lived while caring for her brother, Mike.

In 1991, she experienced her first of four strokes and returned to Mediapolis to be closest to the people and places she loved most. Although disabled from the stroke, she never lost her drive to be with people. One could find her having lunch and socializing at the Apron Strings almost every day. Julia moved to Burlington in 2003 and lived in the Robinson Heights complex where she was known for her garden and being a social butterfly. Julia returned to Mediapolis in 2019 following a stroke and moved into Prairie Ridge to convalesce. The family would like to thank the staff of Prairie Ridge for all the care and support they provided Julia.

Julia is preceded in death by her parents, Bill and Maxine, brothers Mike and Billy, sister Mary, and ex-husband. She is survived by sisters Judy, Kate, Joan and brothers Pat, Terry and Dan as well as her son, Tim.

A celebration of life will be held in mid-to-late August in Mediapolis and information will be published. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St Jude's.

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