Julie Keesee's Obituary
Julie Antoinette Keesee, a beloved Fremont resident of 65 years, passed away peacefully on February 7, 2026, surrounded by her family—just two weeks shy of her 98th birthday.
Born in Kansas City, Missouri, Julie was the daughter of Frank H. Gubera and Julia Gretshel. As a young woman, she made her way to California, where she met the love of her life, Irvin Keesee. Together they built a beautiful life and raised four wonderful children: Richard (Margo), Gary (Jenny), Jamie (Fritz), and Cathy (Laurie). Julie was preceded in death by Irvin, her husband of 35 years.
Julie’s family was the light of her life. She was blessed with five grandchildren—Jessica, Sarah, Rebecca, Kayla, and Kimberly—and eight great-grandchildren, all of whom brought her tremendous joy.
A woman of deep faith and endless love, Julie treasured every holiday, especially Christmas. With a father who was a professional chef, she grew up surrounded by exceptional food and inherited his gift for cooking—her meals were unforgettable. Her talents were many and her creativity limitless.
In her professional life, Julie demonstrated remarkable determination and work ethic. While raising four lively children, she built a successful career as an insurance adjuster, ultimately becoming a workman’s compensation manager in the 1970s for Hartford Insurance—a significant accomplishment for women in that era. She retired at age 63 to care for her husband.
During retirement, Julie discovered a passion for travel. She explored her roots in Austria and Germany, journeyed across Europe, and created unforgettable memories with her children on trips to Mt. Rushmore, the Grand Canyon—a favorite adventure—and Yellowstone, Hawaii, among many others.
Julie also devoted nearly 30 years of volunteer service to her local American Cancer Society Discovery Shop, where she formed lifelong friendships and gave generously of her time and heart.
Julie will be remembered for her love, her strength, her faith, and the countless ways she enriched the lives of those around her. Her legacy lives on in her family and all who were fortunate enough to know her.
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