Julie Paquin, 72

Brooks - Julie Ann Paquin, 72, of Brooks, passed away on April 16, 2024, peacefully at home after a courageous battle with cancer, which she fought valiantly and without complaint. Julie, the third child and oldest daughter of eight, was born on June 29, 1951, to Stanley Robert (“Bobby”) and Phyllis Verona (née Reichenbach) Strom in Crookston. Julie was baptized at Kingo Lutheran Church, Fosston, and confirmed at Asphult Lutheran Church, rural McIntosh. She grew up on a farm in Hill River Township, where she spent her childhood playing with her siblings and the neighborhood kids. This included doing things that all farm kids do, which consisted of chores (hauling wood was her least favorite), but they also built forts in the woods, made mud pies, went fishing, and swimming, and enjoyed numerous family picnics. In her young life, she experienced a great deal of tragedy as she lost her father at the age of 15 as a result of a work accident and her brother, David, just over a year later due to a car-train accident. She then moved with her family to McIntosh and graduated from McIntosh High School in 1969. Julie met Michael Paquin, and they were married on April 24, 1971, in Kole, Minnesota. They lived in the area for their entire lives, living on a small hobby farm for 50 years. To this union, three children were born: Michelle, Dusty, and Bekki. Julie was an extremely dedicated, hard, and loyal worker in every job she held. She created life­ long friendships from her time at Arctic Cat, Moran’s Supper Club, as a home health aide, and at DigiKey. However, the work she cherished most was her role as a creator and purveyor of handmade crafts, from delicate baby bonnets to cozy wool mittens. This was her true passion, and her legacy of hard work and creativity will forever inspire those who were fortunate enough to know her. Julie found joy in the company of others, relishing coffee dates with friends and often making new acquaintances. She immersed herself in numerous hobbies, teaching herself the art of knitting and crocheting from the pages of a book, as well as embroidery and gardening. You could often find her searching for treasures at garage sales, and even the simple act of cleaning brought her contentment. Her adventurous spirit led her to the local casino and extended to her love for travel cherishing the memories made on family trips, most recently her unforgettable journey to Hawaii. She was a proud member of the Olea American Legion Auxiliary as well as the Funeral Guild at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church. Julie was a very proud mother and grandmother, and she enjoyed nothing more than spending time with her children and grandchildren, talking to them on the phone, via FaceTime, or attending their many events whenever possible. Survivors include her husband of just shy of 53 years, Michael, of Brooks; three children, Michelle (Steve) of Waconia, Dusty (significant other Jen Kline) of Annandale, and Bekki (Tracy) of Queen Creek, AZ; grandchildren, McKenzie Mack and Liam Brandt; significant other’s children, Ty (Linnea) Kline and Taylor Kline; furry grandchildren, Minnie, Murphy and Axl. Also surviving are five siblings, Joel (Connie) Strom of McIntosh, Dean (Gail) of McIntosh, Mary (Mark) Schmidt of Crookston, Beth (Tim) Fortin of Golden Valley, and Terry (Heidi) Strom of Erskine; sister-in-law, Vicki Strom of McIntosh; as well as numerous brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, and cousins. Julie was preceded in death by her parents; stepfather, Chester Jordet; brothers, Wayne and David; and niece, Natasha Strom. Visitation will be from 5–7 p.m. on Friday, April 26, 2024, and a Prayer Service at 6:30 p.m. at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls. Memorial Service will be at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls. Burial will be at a later date at Asphult Cemetery in rural McIntosh. The family suggests donations to be given to the Asphult Cemetery Association or Trails to Treatments. A00003B2024AP24