Julie DePree

Julie “Jules” Ann DePree, 84, passed away on Wednesday, September 27, 2023, in Holland, Michigan surrounded by her family.

She was born February 15, 1939, in Ottawa, Ohio, the daughter of August and Emma (Palte) Kleman, who both preceded her in death. On November 12, 1960, she married Gordon DePree and they spent the next 62 wonderful years together. Over the years they made a beautiful family, priceless memories, and countless friends. Julie attended Glandorf High School, class of 1957. After school Julie worked for GE Electric and then became a stay-at-home mom while raising her 3 kids. As the kids got older, Julie became a school bus driver and then the last of her working days at Donnelly Corporation.

She later spent her summers in Baldwin, Michigan on Big Star Lake and winters in Okeechobee, Florida. Some hobbies included fishing with her husband, spending lots of time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildern, golfing, shopping, and playing many games of cards. Julie was a devoted Catholic attending a number of churches based on her whereabouts; Saint Johns in Columbus Grove, Saint Frances and Our Lady of the Lake in Holland MI, Saint Anns in Baldwin MI, and Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Okeechobee FL.

She was preceded in death by her beloved son, Thomas “Tom” Depree - 1983; brothers, Wilfred (Dorothy) Kleman, Walter Kleman; sisters, Alice (Elmo) Miller, Lucille (Melvin) Ricker, Velma (Sylvester) Diemer and Marilyn (Virgil) Kohls.

Julie survived by her loving husband, Gordon; children, Todd (Shirley) DePree, Christine (Christian) Barnes; six grandchildren, Amber (Christopher) Huff, Mackenzie (Scott) Kimball, Danielle (Ryan) DePree, Logan (Lauren) Klingenberg, Carlee Klingenberg; three great-grandchildren, Makenna Kimball, Riley Huff, Miles Kimball; step-grandchild, Jacob Barnes; sister in-law, Helen Kleman, along with many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A memorial mass will take place on Saturday, October 14 at 11am at Our Lady of the Lake Church with a one-hour visitation prior to the service starting at 10am. Burial will take place at Graafschap Cemetery in Holland.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church.