Julie Ann Willenborg (57) of Knoxville, TN, formerly of Effingham

Julie Ann Willenborg, 57, of Knoxville, TN, passed away peacefully Saturday, October 19th, 2024, at home in the presence of her family.

Julie was born on May 27th, 1967, in Effingham, IL, the daughter of Francis “Bud” and Marie (Probst) Bloemer. She was a devoted wife to Bruce Willenborg for 34 years. Her greatest joy in life was her two sons, Nick and Joe, whom she was so proud of. She made sacrifices to allow them to attend Saint John Neumann and Knoxville Catholic High School. Her sons fondly recall being the last ones in the pickup line knowing that mom, in her red Dodge Caravan, was doing everything she could to get from Maryville to Farragut just in time. She also took great pride in doing her part to further their education, starting them early on their multiplication tables and always making sure they tried their personal best. Her love for her family was on full display in recent years, as she welcomed her two grandsons, Baker and Lucas, with immense joy. She loved rocking and reading to them for hours on end, just like she had with her own sons. She was the best mom and grandma her boys could have ever asked for. Julie received a Bachelor’s Degree in education, and later went on to earn both a Master’s and Educational Specialist Degree. She was a devoted educator over her 36 year career beginning at St. Anthony Catholic School in Effingham, IL and ending at Coulter Grove Intermediate School in Maryville, TN, with many wonderful stops in between. She had a servant’s heart and cared so deeply for her students. She was very grateful for all the lives she was able to influence as well as the impact her students had on her. Julie had a contagious smile and joy for life that enabled her to spark conversation with anyone she met. She had a passion for the outdoors and found great joy walking in nature, golfing with family, and enjoying sunshine by the lake or beach. She loved full moons, always making sure her family went outside when there was a particularly beautiful one. She was an avid runner, completing the Boston and New York marathons, among many others. The family would like to extend a special thank you to all the health care professionals who have cared for Julie. Your love and support will never be forgotten.

She is survived by her husband, Bruce Willenborg; son, Nick (Kelsey) Willenborg, grandson, Baker; son, Joe (Faith) Willenborg, grandson, Lucas; siblings, Oscar (Norma) Bloemer, Darlene Esker, Ron (Vickie) Bloemer, Linda (Phil) Stalling, Shirley (David) Reha, Marilyn (Rem) Woodruff, Theresa (Bill) Hardiek, Rosalie (Tom) Westendorf, Patty (Joe) Jansen, Connie (Darrell) Brinkmann, Cindy (Chris) Fraterrigo, and Tony (Lisa) Bloemer; father and mother-in-law, Mel and Marge Willenborg; brother-in-laws Ron Wendt, Mike (Deb) Willenborg, Kevin (Kim) Willenborg, and Phil (Anita) Willenborg; sister-in-law Mary Bloemer.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Francis and Marie Bloemer; brother Don Bloemer; sister Carol Wendt; brother-in-law Louis Esker; and sister in infancy, Mary Bloemer.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, October 24th from 5:00-7:00 PM at the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus (711 South Northshore Drive, Knoxville TN 37919). A Funeral Mass will be held at the cathedral on Friday, October 25th at 10:00 AM, followed by a graveside service at Highland Memorial Cemetery (Sutherland Ave, Knoxville TN 37919). In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to New Hope Blount County Children’s Advocacy Center, Catholic Charities of East Tennessee, or a charity of your choice. A Celebration of Life will take place in Effingham at a later date.