Julie Wermelskirchen Kundtz

image of Julie Kundtz

Julie Kundtz

Julie Wermelskirchen Kundtz passed away peacefully at her home in Woodinville, Washington, on May 20, 2020. She was 55 years old.

Julie was born to Dorothy Svenson and Louis M. Wermelskirchen in 1965. She grew up in Chesterland, Ohio, where she attended West Geauga schools.  She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Ohio State University, and became a registered nurse in critical care. Julie worked in the Cleveland area at University Hospitals, MetroHealth, Favorite Healthcare Staffing, Firststat Nursing Services, Meridia Health, South Pointe Hospital as well as a few years as a traveling nurse in Tampa, FL and Washington, DC.

Julie found her spiritual home at Community Church of Chesterland UCC, where she sang in the choir and went on a mission trip to Puerto Rico. Julie was married the church, and began growing a family of three sons Jared, Brenden and Nicholas. The family later moved across the country to make their home in Woodinville, Washington.

After moving to Washington, Julie worked for EvergreenHealth as an RN in the Critical Care Unit and later as a hospice home-health RN. Hospice turned out to be her true calling, her “best job ever”, helping caregivers manage the end of life, at the end of her life.

Compassionate and intuitive, Julie gave her heart and soul to life, whether she was at home, at work or at play. She loved the water, and rowed crew in Ohio for a few years. She enjoyed traveling to beautiful outdoor places especially Dominica, the Outer Banks of North Carolina, Whidbey Island in Puget Sound, Neah Bay in northwest Washington and Mt. Rainier.

She was known for her lovely singing voice and joyful, infectious laugh. She strove to look for the good in every person and everything in life. She loved visual art, and she saw beauty and magic in wildflowers, sunsets and forested vistas. Above all, she loved sharing the experience of the world’s beauty with family and friends.

Julie is survived by her sons Jared Kundtz, Brenden Kundtz and Nicholas Kundtz, sister Diane Slota of Kirkland, brother Bob Wermelskirchen of Sarasota, FL, niece Meredith Slota and nephew Kevin Slota, both of Seattle, grand-nieces Madeline, Eileen and Josephine, dear friend Caren Owens of Willowick, OH, and many cousins, close friends and co-workers. We love her and miss her always.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations in Julie’s memory for Hospice Services at the EvergreenHealth Foundation. A plan is in the works to install a tribute bench in Julie’s memory on the grounds at the Gene and Irene Wockner Hospice Center on the EvergreenHealth campus. A memorial service will be held at a later time.

 

 

 

8 Responses to “Julie Wermelskirchen Kundtz”

  • Colleen Murray says:

    I had the honor to work briefly with Julie in the last few months of her life. She was someone I wish I’d had the pleasure of knowing much earlier in her life. She was very brave and graceful, so sad to be leaving her boys…may she rest in peace.

  • Kim Raum-Suryan says:

    I went to West Geauga High School with Julie. We played clarinet together in the marching band, symphony, and in a quartet with Lori and Judy. We both grew our families through adoption and even though we lived far apart, I was fortunate enough that our boys were able to meet when younger. Julie was one of the kindest, loving, caring, and sweetest individuals I have ever known. She made the world a better place by being in it. I am sending love to her boys and her whole family. I will miss your smiling face Julie!

  • Catherine Whitright says:

    What a lovely tribute to a very special woman. Julie and I worked together on the Growth Committee of Chesterland Community Church of Christ and had many crazy and fun times. She will be missed and especially by her three young men.

  • Angel Marino says:

    A beautiful tribute for a beautiful soul. I had the pleasure of knowing Julie through Community Church of Chesterland. We had the opportunity to perform liturgical dances together with Ellie King. Her son Jared, and my son, Luigi, became friends also, so we visited them in Washington on our way to Hawaii. I will forever cherish the memories we made. She was one of the sweetest souls I’ve come to know. I will miss her dearly.

  • Charlene Zieske Weber says:

    I grew up with Julie and she lived on my road growing up so I have many many great memories of time spent together. I still have a box of notes she wrote me when we were in school. We didn’t talk often but she will be missed. I’m glad she messaged me before she passed. R.I.P Julie

  • Francine Goitz says:

    Ah, Julie, We lost a good one. I had the immense pleasure of meeting Julie on a travel nurse assignment in Washington, DC. She and I were assigned as roommates, and we became fast friends. Oh, the adventures we had exploring museums, hikes, and concerts. Julie was so much fun to be around, and I can still hear her silly, warming giggle in my mind’s ear, and I treasure it. People as genuine, caring, and sincere as Julie are few and far between. My heart goes out to those who will miss her most. She was taken far too soon. Thanks for the memories, Miss Julie. I will continue to miss and remember you, always. ~Francine

  • Becky Birch says:

    Julie and I sang together in the choir as children. We always had so much fun and I’ll always remember her sweet voice. Later when we both became nurses, we would talk shop every time we would run into each other. So sorry to hear she’s gone. RIP Julie. Prayers for your dear family.

  • Gromit Marshall says:

    Wow… I can’t believe this. Julie was a very dear mentor to me, who helped me become an ICU nurse during a very hard time. Her wisdom, caring-ness and laughter will always stick with me. We stayed good friends even after we were no longer co-workers. I remember the last time we saw each other; we went on a long walk along the beautiful Woodinville river. She was truly so special, and I will miss her forever.

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