It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved mother Julie Acacia Strong at the age of 65. She left us on October 15, 2023 in Fargo, ND after a courageous 10 year battle with COPD and Congestive Heart Failure. Julie passed peacefully surrounded by the love of her family.
Julie was the embodiment of strength and resilience, unwavering in the face of life's
adversities. Her life was a remarkable tapestry, interwoven with diverse experiences that
reflected her indomitable spirit. She embraced every challenge with determination and grace,
leaving an indelible mark on all who had the privilege to know her.
Born as Julie Ann Strong at the Swedish Hospital in Minneapolis, she was the first child of Gerald Dale Strong (Glenwood, MN) and Sharon Kay (Fowlds) Strong (Glenwood, MN). Julie
faced many physical challenges throughout her life including being born with hearing loss and
scoliosis.
Julie's early years were spent in Glenwood, Minnesota, where she was the eldest sister to
Becky Ann Strong and Geoffrey Gerald Strong. She cherished her youth in her hometown,
where she actively participated in the choir, theater programs, and the Glenwood Lutheran
Church.
After completing her high school education, Julie continued her studies at Golden Valley
Lutheran College, where she met her former husband, Randall James Joslyn. Together, they
started a family, welcoming Jacob Andrew Joslyn, Randall's son, whom Julie wholeheartedly
accepted as her own. Randall and Julie also had two biological children, Jesse Alan Joslyn and
Joy Ann Joslyn. Throughout life's ups and downs, Julie's devotion to her children remained
unwavering, a testament to her enduring motherly love.
In her earlier years, Julie faced personal battles with addiction. Her journey to recovery led her
to the rooms of Alcoholics Anonymous in Anoka, MN. It is here where she found a new lease
on life, a deeper faith, and built many lifelong important friendships. Through AA, she
discovered that by taking one day at a time she was able to overcome her addiction. Through
her 35 years of recovery she has offered hope and inspiration to others on their own paths to
sobriety.
Julie was an example of adaptability and resilience in her career. She embraced diverse job
opportunities, including becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant, caring for the elderly and
disabled. Her most cherished work involved teaching Sunday School classes for children,
including her role at Resurrection Lutheran Church in Monticello, MN. Her career with children
also extended to working as a lunch and laundry staff for her hometown school, Minnewaska
Area High School, which she always remembered fondly. She was a mentor in spiritual growth
and held an online Doctor of Divinity certificate, performing weddings and religious services.
Julie worked in various manufacturing and warehouse roles, even alongside her brother at
Taber Bushnell in New Hope, Minnesota.
Throughout her life, Julie radiated a special warmth that endeared her to everyone she met.
Her laughter was infectious, her acceptance of all was comforting, and her wisdom was a
guiding light for those who sought her counsel. Some of the things people loved most about
her were her funny made-up words, her desire to always bring community and connection, her
ability to genuinely listen to people, the way she laughed at herself, and her fierce loyalty and
love. Her impact will be cherished by those who had the privilege of knowing her.
In her later years, while her health limited her physically, Julie's spirit remained unbroken. She
continued to embrace life with optimism, showing us all that, despite the challenges, it's never
too late to find joy and purpose. Julie leaves behind a legacy of strength, love, and resilience
that will forever inspire those who knew her. While we mourn her passing, we also celebrate the
remarkable life she lived.
Julie was preceded in death by her Mother Sharon Kay (Fowlds) Strong (Plymouth, MN),
Brother Geoffrey Gerald Strong (New Hope, MN), Father Gerald Dale Strong (Plymouth, MN).
Julie is survived by her sister Becky Strong Redman (Cedar Creek, TX), brother-in-law Timothy
Edward Redman (Cedar Creek, TX), former brother-in-law Ken Donald Hanson (Nowthen, MN),
and former sister-in-law Teresa Ann Strong-Trulsen (Shakopee, MN). Her children, step-son
Jacob Andrew Joslyn (St. Cloud, MN), son Jesse Alan Joslyn (Otsego, MN), daughter Joy Ann
(Joslyn) Harings (Elk River, MN) , son-in-law Christopher Thomas Harings (Elk River, MN) and
five grandchildren. Her niece Alicia Marie Hanson (Belmont, NC), niece Shannon Kay Strong
(Coon Rapids, MN), nephew Reed Geoffrey Strong (Eagan, MN), niece-in-law Elizabeth Ann
Strong (Eagan, MN), nephew Jeremy Donald Hanson (Maple Grove, MN), niece-in-law Maria
Yurika-Martin Hanson (Maple Grove, MN), and three grandnephews.
A memorial open house will be held on November 20th, 2pm-5pm, at the Gearhart Funeral
Home in Coon Rapids, MN. A time of memory sharing will being at 4pm. Friends and family are invited to join us as we pay tribute to her life and the unforgettable mark she left on all of us.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Julie’s memorial GoFundMe site to help her family with end-of-life costs. https://bit.ly/3Fo2HWf
May Julie's spirit find eternal peace and her memory live on in our hearts. She will be deeply missed, but her legacy of strength, love, and resilience will forever inspire those she touched.
Rest in God's loving care, dear Julie. You will be remembered with profound love and gratitude.
“The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace."
