Julie Christine Hampe Bull

Arrangement Update:
In light of the limitations set on public gatherings, we (Julie’s family) have chosen to forgo a celebration of her life in MN, as originally planned. We will instead be holding a private/family inurnment through her church in MN. We want to thank everyone for the love & support given to Julie’s family since her passing January 25th. Julie was a blessing and treasure to us and virtually everyone who crossed her path. She will forever be missed...a little more each and every day!”
 

Julie Christine Hampe Bull, currently of Longville MN, passed away on Saturday, January 25, 2020 in Walker, MN with her loving family by her side.

Julie was born in Mason City, IA in 1944 to Donald and Enid Joyce Hampe.  She grew up the youngest of three children on a farm near Corwith, Iowa and attended Corwith – Wesley High School, Waldorf College and Mankato State College, majoring in theater and English. 

Julie met the love of her life, Dr. James R. Bull in 1964, marrying him in 1966. They had four children: Marjy, Libby, David and Molly. During their 54-½ years of marriage they raised their family in West Des Moines, Iowa but also lived in Ames, Cedar Rapids and Bettendorf, Iowa along with the Phoenix area and Longville, Minnesota.

Julie was first and foremost an amazing daughter, wife and mom. She was an associate teacher at an elementary school and also a docent at the historical Salisbury House in Des Moines, Iowa for many years. She greatly enjoyed commercial acting and theater.

Later in life she found she was able to use her God-given gift of connecting with people by becoming a professional storyteller. She loved sharing stories from the Bible, down-on-the-farm stories, revised fairy tales and stories that spurred special memories for the listeners, giving them the inspiration to share their own tales. People seemed to relate most with her children’s sermons she shared with many congregations in many states. Her faith and love of God was tremendous.

Julie was a long time member of TTT Chapter D, National Storytelling Association, Northlands Storytelling Network, Two Rivers Storytelling, Lutheran Church of Hope in WDM and Salem Lutheran Church in Longville, and the Salisbury Foundation among many other small groups.    

Julie loved entertaining at their summer cabin on Woman Lake in northern Minnesota. This included her cherished group of aerobic swimming friends who called themselves “The WET Babes”.

Julie has been said to light up an entire room upon her entrance. Her gifts were extraordinary. She had the uncanny ability to connect with everyone she met; whether it was in brief passing or through lifelong friendships. Her generosity, kindness, love, and compassionate nature will be sorely missed and fondly remembered.

She is survived by her husband, Jim Bull. Her four children: Marjy (Bob) Mason of Ankeny, IA; Libby (Jamey) Dobson of Kernersville, NC; David (Camilla) Bull of Monument, CO; Molly (Chas) Ratz of Longville, MN. Ten grandchildren: Kyler & Kaeden Mason; Tevin, Avery & Ryder Dobson; Abbott, Myla & Judd Bull; Grady & Laney Ratz. Two brothers: Dr. Gary (Catherine) Hampe of Laramie, WY and Dr. Clark (Patricia) Hampe of Tyler, TX; sister-in-law Susan Mericle of Clinton, IA and many nieces and nephews across the country.

We would like to give a special thank you to the incredible people at Hillcrest Assisted Living in Walker, MN and Heartland Hospice. They have all truly made a difference in Julie’s quality of life over the last few months.

There will be a Celebration of Life held at Lutheran Church of Hope in West Des Moines, Iowa on Thursday, January 30, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. with a luncheon to follow. This is a celebration of Julie’s life and we ask for casual attire. Please come as you are.

In addition, there will be a Celebration of Life to be held at Salem Lutheran Church in Longville, MN in July 2020. This time will be announced via Facebook/social media/etc. later this spring.

The family asks if you would like to donate, in lieu of flowers, memorials could be made in Julie’s memory. https://www.multiplesystematrophy.org/msa-donation/

https://www.hopeiowa.org/donatenow/

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