Julie Christine Bethel

   Julie C. Bethel, age 51, passed away unexpectedly on November 29, 2017.    Julie was born September 26, 1966 in Mankato, MN to Charles and Paulette Durnan. Julie attended Holy Rosary grade school in North Mankato and then Loyola Catholic School in Mankato. She worked at Bachman's Floral and developed a great love of nature on the many vacations and rock hounding trips with her family. She moved to Park Rapids with her family in 1983. Here, she helped at the family resort and worked at Lampert Lumber until she graduated from Park Rapids Area High School in 1985. After graduating she returned to Mankato to attend Mankato State and worked as a secretary for Taylor Corp. In the summer of 1986 she met Mark Bethel and the two began dating. They were united in marriage on July 11, 1987 at Saint Mary’s Catholic Church in Two Inlets. They welcomed two daughters and a son into their lives.    As their children grew, she was a constant cheerleader (and taxi) with the kids’ countless sports, hobbies, and extracurricular activities.    Julie held many occupations during her life in Park Rapids. She worked at Park Drug, as well as a home health professional with St. Joseph's. Julie worked as a secretary for the Menahga Public Schools, J&B Foods, Great Northern Nursery and most recently, with Re/Max First Choice.    She had many passions in life including quilting, gardening and photography. She had an enormous heart for families facing pediatric cancer and connected with many individuals to lend support and a listening ear throughout their battles. Julie was devoted to the Word of the Lord and spent many hours reading, journaling and attending local bible study groups.    Over the colder months, she spent countless hours with Mark and Cole as their hobby of decoy carving grew. She was the dedicated decoy detailer: cutting all fins, painting the final details and coming up with new color schemes for the next carving show.    She had a love for life and was a bright light for family, friends and strangers. She always had a smile on her face and was ready to lend a helping hand. She also volunteered with Greenwood Cemetery serving as secretary of the board.    She is survived by her loving husband, Mark; her daughters Carrie (Tyler) Billig of New Hope, MN and Cassie (Casey) Dahl of Bagley, MN; her son Cole; granddaughter Emersyn Dahl; her parents Chuck and Paulette Durnan; brothers Jim (Meryl) Durnan and Timmy (Linda) Durnan; 5 nieces and nephews; and many other relatives and friends.    She was preceded in death by her aunt, Martha Penkert; aunt, Sister Julianne Penkert; grandmother, Dorothy Penkert; and her father-in-law, Rodney Bethel.    A visitation will be held from 5-7 pm on December 7, 2017 at Jones-Pearson Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 2 pm on December 8, 2017 at Faithbridge Church. A 1 hour visitation will be held prior to the service. Pastor Ken Polley and Pastor Gary Simmons will be officiating.