Julianne Neff, age 81 of Dousman, WI passed away on Tuesday February 18, 2014 at Angels Grace Hospice. Julie was born on January 2, 1933 in Oconomowoc to Herbert and Myrtle Mundschau (Meyer). She graduated from St. Mary’s Academy and then later attended Mrs. Brown’s Business School in Milwaukee where she studied bookkeeping and clerical. In 1954, Julie left the states to join her fiancé, Albert Neff, who was stationed in the U.S Army in Germany. On July 29th, 1954 they were officially married, not once, but three times in Germany. In the same year, they returned stateside and resided in Dousman above her father’s IGA grocery store. In 1957, they purchased a 40 acre farm from Lloyd Owens, just 3 miles east of Dousman. Neff Farms became Julie’s residence until a week prior to her passing.

Julie was a very active lady in her youth as well as in her golden years. For a period of time, she worked for Corb Miller, the Dousman Elevator, Waukesha Machine & Grinding, and finally Bonded Spirits in Oconomowoc. At home, she took care of the books for the farm as well as her husband’s Brownberry Bread route. She was also the dedicated backup for when a tractor driver was needed. But in all the duties held, her family always came first. In between her jobs, she raised two boys, and dealt with the heartbreaking loss of a son who passed just 2 days after birth. After Al’s passing in 1994, Julie continued to work the farm. She upgraded her riding lawn mower to a brand new John Deere riding tractor that helped her care for 2 acres of lawn. That lawn was hardly ever mowed by anyone else, including last summer. As her mobility declined in recent years, she made her outdoor mode of transportation her golf cart. Many miles were put on that golf cart, going to the barn, to the sheds, to the house and back to the fields. When you rode with her, seat belts were optional. After she retired, she joined the YMCA. Visiting the Y between 3 and 4 times a week kept her moving up until this past Oct. She loved to walk, and of course, talk. Other social activities included attending the events at the Oconomowoc Senior Center; meeting up with the girls of the Birthday Club, and many many luncheons with her classmates. Julie was also very dedicated in attending mass every Sunday. There was seldom a day her car didn’t go some place.

Sports were a big part of our mother’s life. Mom never missed a game or a meet that her boys played in. She followed either via radio or TV, the Packers from pre-season to the Super Bowl. In the spring, it was the Brewer’s, from spring training to the World Series. She also enjoyed going to meets to watch her two grandsons wrestle. Other favorite activities were gatherings at family functions, gambling trips with the ladies to the casinos, reading her Danielle Steele novels, and numerous knitting projects.

Julie will be dearly missed by many friends, and family all over the country and overseas. She is survived by her two sons Don (Angela) Neff of New Glarus, Bill (Deb) Neff of Sullivan; Sisters Mary (Tom) Schmieder and Liz (Larry) Williams of Dousman; Sister-in-law Therese Mundschau Cooper of Bakersfield, California and many nieces & nephews. Mom was very proud of her grandchildren. Phil a Marine, Deanna, her only granddaughter, and Jake & Dean, her favorite wrestling tag team. She was preceded in death by her husband Albert, father and mother Herb and Myrtle, brother Bump (Jerome), and son Robbie.

Ma Neff was a strong woman as she survived deaths of loved ones, a barn fire, and a battle with cancer 25 years ago. When diagnosed last fall with ovarian cancer, her attitude was “Let’s do what we need to do!”  Sadly this time, it wasn’t meant to be, and she enjoyed every minute she could with family and friends. She had many wonderful conversations with those who visited with her at home, the hospital and hospice care. As her spirit was ready to join those who have gone before her, we know she’s at peace in heaven. She shouldn’t have any trouble finding Dad as we’re sure St. Peter knows him well!

Visitation will be held at Schmidt & Bartelt, 121 S Cross St Oconomowoc, WI on Friday, February 28th, from 4  p.m to 7 p.m. Funeral will be held at St. Brunos Parish, 226 W Ottawa Ave, Dousman, WI on Saturday, March 1st with services starting at 10 a.m with private burial thereafter. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Mom’s name to Angels Grace, YMCA, or the local Humane Society. The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you for all the kind words and support by family, friends, and the staff at Angels Grace.