Dear Friends,
This letter means that I, Robbie Julson, have left this earth, taken life’s checkered flag – and gone to meet my maker.
I was born in Albert Lea (the old hospital – not the new one) to Bob and Maxine Gregerson. I grew up in the midst of a riot of siblings, aunts, uncles, and cousins. I knew I was loved. I am the oldest of seven, which honed my “leadership” skills from early on. My siblings – Moni, Becky, Georgia, Todd, Jeanine and Michelle – are the funnest and funniest people I know. We have worked, played, traveled, and laughed together, and they were generous enough to share their kids with me. From Paul all the way down through Max, and then shared their grandkids, too.
After moving around a bit – I was very tired of being the new kid – we landed north of Grand Meadow on the edge of Pleasant Valley Township. I graduated from GMHS in the Class of ‘72. I am very proud of how close my class was, and we still are close.
As soon as I met Lyle Julson, I knew he was the one for me. We were married for 50 years and 11 days before he died. We were like minded in making a home for our two girls Dina and Jessie, they are our reason for being and our hearts are full of love. They are our everything. When they brought in Brian Nelson and Tim Leader, our family was complete.
I held many, many part time jobs while the girls were growing up, sometimes two and three jobs at a time. I remember waking up sometimes and wondering, “What day is this and where am I supposed to be today?”
I have many deep friendships from those jobs. I never once dreaded going to work at the GM Café. Those people became family. My last job I held for 20 years – the only paid employee of the Grand Meadow Ambulance Service. I still consider it “my” ambulance and “my” crew. I was very proud of that job.
Other work hats that I wore: babysitter, waitress, house cleaner, clerk at the hardware store, sold used office equipment, librarian, worked at a costume shop, insurance agent, and medical van driver. For 28 years I wrote “Talking Track,” a newspaper column covering the race season at Deer Creek Speedway. I met so many wonderful people – racers, pit crew, staff, and fellow bleacher creatures – Fascinating People! Racing is one of my passions – the other is making pressed flower note cards. Never underestimate the value of a handwritten card.
I was lucky enough to do a bunch of tropical travel. My sisters and I were trying to decide which Hawaiian island was our favorite. There were also many winter trips to Mexico where the epic adventure saga of “Stuck in the Desert with No Man” originated. An unexpected joy with dear friends.
I am a confirmed member of Bear Creek Lutheran Church and absolutely loved my 42 years of teaching Sunday School (three generations of kids). It was my calling. I had great partners in telling stories about Jesus and sharing through song. I wanted those kids to be as comfortable in church as in their home, and know the stories of Jesus as they dealt with life’s evil. I still refer to them as “my” Sunday School kids.
The last five years have not been easy, and I have had an army of family and angel friends helping me and Lyle and the girls. I cannot begin to name them all – but they are in my prayers. Remember – I love you all.
*Love your family, have fun, and do what you can to help others.*
Now, I think I’ll go find Lyle. – Robbie Julson
Memorial service for Robbie will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Saturday, August 19, 2023, at Bear Creek Lutheran Church in Grand Meadow, Minn., with Pastor Bob Tewes officiating. Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. on Friday, August 18, 2023, at Bear Creek Church and will continue one hour prior to the start of the service at the church.
Hindt Funeral Home of Grand Meadow is assisting the family.
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