Julie Nelson

Julie Lynn Nelson was born April 1, 1972 in Madison to Doug and Sandy (Abarr) Bartels. She lost her life in a senseless pedestrian/car accident on November 23 in Sun Prairie while she and her wife, Jodi, were walking on a trail.

Julie was a gymnast at Turner’s in Madison and was on the Turner national team for several years. Upon entering high school, she chose to end her gymnastics world and explore other sporting avenues. She competed in cross country, swimming, but her special love was softball, which she continued to enjoy into her adult years.

Julie graduated from DeForest High School and attended UW-La Crosse where she earned her elementary teaching degree. She taught several years with the Montello school district.

Julie married Eric J. Goldapske in 1997 and later divorced. They had two children, Kiley and Nathan.

Julie also worked for a time at Kohl’s East Towne and What’s Brewin’ in Sun Prairie. She also worked at Badger Graphics as an account manager.

Julie was a group fitness instructor at the Prairie Athletic Club, which she thoroughly enjoyed. Julie developed several relationships through her time there, including meeting her lifetime love, Jodi. Julie had a passion for the outdoors, especially landscaping tasks, including plants and flowers, as well as taking care of all the birds and other outdoor creatures.

Not only was Julie great at beautifying the outdoors, she had a knack for decorating the inside. Julie did an amazing job of making home feel warm and special. She always kept up with the holidays and in fact had already gotten all the Christmas décor up and ready to shine this season.

Julie had a smile that could light up a room and she had an infectious laugh. Julie had a big heart, cared, and loved hard. She was easy to love and has made several lasting friendships through the years.

Julie enjoyed spending time with Jodi, whether taking long walks, playing games, trips to Door County, date nights, and the numerous adventures Jodi took them on.

Julie’s true passion were her two children, Kiley and Nathan. She enjoyed time with them and loved them unconditionally.

Julie enjoyed her sudoku puzzles, games on her tablet, cleaning (yes, cleaning), and taking in all the elegant award shows, such as the Emmy’s and Oscar’s.

Julie is survived by her wife Jodi, daughter Kiley, son Nathan – all from Sun Prairie; mother Sandy Bartels from Wautoma; sister Beth (Sean) Macklem with their children Brandon and Ashton Macklem—all from Green Bay, as well as many other relatives and an abundance of friends who were touched by Julie’s selfless love.

She was preceded in death by her father, Doug, and her grandparents.

Family and friends will gather together for a celebration of Julie's life from 11:00am-2:00pm on Saturday, May 15, 2021 at Cress Funeral Service, 1310 Emerald Terrace, Sun Prairie, WI 53590 with a memorial service to begin at 2:00pm.  Jodi is requesting please no flowers, and the presence of her friends and support are enough on this day.

If you are unable to attend in person, please visit the following link for a livestream of the visitation and service. https://event.forgetmenotceremonies.com/ceremony?c=320748d2-015e-488e-b375-999870476709

Cress Funeral & Cremation Service

1310 Emerald Terrace  Sun Prairie

(608) 837-9054