Julie Anne Murnan

Julie A. (O'Brien) Murnan, 85, formerly of Bloomington, MN, passed away on September 29, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. Born on August 20, 1939, in Superior, Wisconsin, to Francis and Elsie O'Brien, Julie was the third of seven children. She attended Cathedral Grade School and High School, where, at just nine years old, she discovered her passion for poetry-a pursuit that would last a lifetime. Julie earned a teaching degree from the University of Wisconsin-Superior. During her college years, she worked at Bridgeman's Ice Cream Parlor, often humorously saying that she "scooped her way through college." She taught in Milwaukee, WI, and the Robbinsdale, MN school district until her marriage to Thomas Murnan on July 16, 1966. While raising their five children, she founded Murnan Enterprises, where she wrote and sold her "Poemettes" line of greeting cards. Julie's poetry beautifully reflected her Christian faith and her love for her husband, family, and friends, capturing both the poignant and humorous moments of everyday life. Together with Tom, she cherished traveling, attending plays and concerts, supporting her children's-and later her grandchildren's-sporting events, and hosting gatherings for family and friends. They transformed their Bloomington home into a welcoming space filled with love. Julie will be remembered for her deep faith, her joy in celebrating both small and significant moments, and her talent for hosting memorable celebrations, including birthdays, Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Eve. Her ten grandchildren grew up visiting Grandma Julie and eagerly participating in her festivities, with building gingerbread houses every Christmas season among their fondest memories. She was the best "Rara" to her grandchildren. Though Alzheimer's gradually affected her memory, Julie's spirit remained alive through her poetry and the cherished memories of those who loved her. Until the very end, she held onto her faith, subtle wit, and love for Edy's Caramel Delight ice cream. The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Julie's sister, Teresa, for praying the rosary daily with Julie, as well as to the staff at Synergy Home Health Care, Methodist Hospital, Park Nicollet Hospice, and Eden Prairie Senior Living for their compassionate care. Julie is preceded in death by her parents, sisters Joan and Jackie, sister-in-law Grace Joan Schrantz, and brother-in-law Joseph Murnan. She is survived by her husband of 58 years, Tom; children Blake (Joan), Karrie (Tom), Kellie (Bill), Shawn (Amy), and Ryan (Jennifer); grandchildren Ellie, Katie, Jake, Rory, Maggie, Joey, Kevin, Kieran, Maura, and Molly; siblings Mary, Patrick, Gregory, and Teresa; sister-in-law Elizabeth Murnan; and many nieces and nephews. A funeral service will be held at 11 AM on Thursday, October 10, at The Church of St. Edward at 9401 Nesbitt Ave S. in Bloomington (livestream: www.stedwardschurch.org/funerals). Visitation will take place on Wednesday, October 9, from 5-7 PM at Washburn-McReavy 2300 W. Old Shakopee Road in Bloomington, and one hour prior to the service. Interment and a luncheon will follow at St. Edward's. In Julie's honor, the family invites all attendees to wear vibrant colors.

Tributes

Julie Anne Murnan

August 20, 1939 - September 29, 2024

Tributes

Julie Anne Murnan

August 20, 1939 - September 29, 2024

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