Julia Slater Jensen 72, of Mound MN passed away peacefully with her 3 sons by her side on Thursday October 26^th, 2023.

She was born December 9^th, 1950, to Eben and Gale Slater in Minneapolis, MN.

Julie attended grade school in St. Joseph MO where she graduated from Central in 1969.  She went on to study at the University of Minnesota and graduated in 1974.

Jules met the love of her life (Curt) while attending college in MN.  After marriage in May of 1975, they made their home in the Lake Minnetonka area where they started their family.  While raising their family and building a future together, The Lord took Julie’s husband early in life.  In 1989 she was devastated by the loss of her husband and the young boy’s father.  She went on to dedicate her life to raising her three boys.

As a child Julie learned the love of MN lake life while spending summers at the family cabin on Lake Alexander near Little Falls, MN.  It was there that she built lifelong memories, relationships, and traditions with family and friends.  She continued that legacy with her boys as they grew into adulthood.  If anyone were to ask, her happy place would always be in or on the water with the sun in her face and her family by her side.  As the summers came to an end, she would look forward to getting back to the start of the school year.  She was a talented educator at Mound Westonka Highschool, where she was adored and well respected by all students and staff.

Julie, also known as Jules, JJ, J-squared, Jensen, and Mrs. J, took great pride in the Mound Westonka school community.  Whether it was teaching and inspiring children during the school day, tutoring after school, assisting in after school programs, taking tickets at any sport event possible, her spirit and twinkle in her eyes was always present.   After her retirement and diagnosis with cancer, she continued to be active and present at MWHS – that was her happy place.

While the Lake and School were a big part of her life, her greatest pride and accomplishment was her three boys and their families.  She cherished the trips to Mexico, Florida, Northern MN, and countless road trips throughout the country.  Nana Julie loved attending all events related to her grandchildren and loved the opportunities to spend holidays and birthdays together.  Nana Julie and her grandchildren have shared a love for the MN Twins, sports, swimming and chocolates.

Jules had a 2 ½ year fight with Glioblastoma brain cancer.  She was blessed with the best care that allowed her to spend her last year experiencing all that life had to offer.  She was a bright light to every doctor’s visit and made everyone fall in love with her as she would dance her way into each appointment.  She would always say “I am helping everyone learn more” throughout the process.  In almost every writing in her journals we found her end with “Thank you God for another day!”

Julie is preceded in death by her husband Curtis Jensen, parents Gale and Eben Slater, infant sister Ella.

She is survived by her children Tyler (Karly) and daughter Sydney Sybrant; Chris (Erica) and son Parker; Michael (Nicole) and daughter Kinlee and sons Levi and Wesley; Kim (Matt) Henke daughter Shelby, son Mason; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and close friends.

The gathering will be held on Friday November 3^rd, at 10:00am at The Highlands Church in Delano, MN. A Memorial Service will be held following the gathering at 11:00. A light lunch will follow the service. The family will be holding a private burial at a later date.

The family would like to thank the staff of North Memorial Cancer Center and the University of Minnesota, Lake Minnetonka Shores Presbyterian Homes.

Memorials are encouraged to Westonka District #277 Foundation in memory of Julie Jensen.  www.westonka277foundation.org