Julia Kay Brunn-Machnak

Julia lived a life defined by faith, education, service, and love for her family.

A lifelong learner, Julia graduated as the valedictorian of her high school class before earning her Bachelor's degree in Education from Valparaiso University in 1961. Her passion for learning never faded, and in 1993 she completed her Ph.D. in Educational Administration at Michigan State University.

Julia devoted more than 30 years to teaching high school English, primarily in the Garden City Public Schools. She inspired generations of students with her love of literature, language, and lifelong learning. Beyond the classroom, she was never hesitant to roll up her sleeves and serve, routinely taking leadership roles in her profession, her church, and civic organizations.

Her love of reading began in childhood, alongside her enjoyment of acting in plays, debating, and serving in her church. Throughout her life, books remained one of her greatest joys, and she delighted in sharing that passion with her children and grandchildren. She also cherished playing cards, golfing and time spent near lakes and oceans, where she found peace and renewal.

Family was at the center of Julia's life. She enthusiastically supported her daughters' interests in horses, spending countless hours with 4-H activities and Arabian horse shows. She treasured every opportunity to be with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, believing that life's greatest blessings were found in relationships.

Her faith was a guiding force throughout her life. Julia was an active member of her church wherever she lived and valued independence, family, God, education, and the joy of reading above all else.

Julia was preceded in death by her husband, Stanley J. Machnak II; her father, Arthur F. Brunn, Sr.; her mother, Aileen D. (Rummel) Brunn; and her brother, Arthur F. Brunn, Jr.

She is lovingly remembered by her daughters, Cathy (Doug) Stormzand, Liz (Rob) Haar, and Sheri Rosenthal; her stepchildren, Amy Hash and Alan Machnak; her grandchildren, Samantha, Joey, Brendan, Sarah, Stephen, Alex, Rachel, AJ, and Henry; and her great-grandchildren, Cade and Quinn, along with many extended family members, friends, former students, and fellow church members whose lives she touched.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, July 16, 2026, beginning at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 30650 Six Mile Road, Livonia, Michigan. A memorial service will follow at 12:00 noon, with a luncheon immediately afterward at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Holy Cross Lutheran Church, the American Cancer Society, or the Alzheimer's Foundation.

Julia's legacy lives on in the countless students she inspired, the family she loved so deeply, and the example she set of living each day with faith, kindness, humility, and purpose.