Julie Ann Kessel-Schultz

Julie Ann Kessel-Schultz, passed away December 2, 2013, at the age of 50 after a courageous battle with breast cancer. Julie was born on February 26, 1963, in Harlan, Iowa, to Sharon (Cornelius) Kessel Espeseth and the late Richard Kessel. She spent most of her early years in Dunlap, Iowa. Julie graduated from Buena Vista College in Council Bluffs, in 1994 with a degree in Psychology. She practiced as a social worker in various positions in Iowa and Nebraska. In 2007 she was awarded a Masters of Social Work from the University of Nebraska and subsequently obtained independent licensure as a mental health therapist in Iowa and Nebraska. She achieved a lifelong dream of owning her own business when she opened a private mental health practice in Omaha compassionately serving patients, including the persistently mentally ill and the geriatric population, until she became ill. Julie faced many challenges throughout her life with determination and a unique sense of humor. She loved the outdoors and had various talents and interests including fishing, camping, gardening, cooking, crocheting, and spending time with her grandchildren. Julie was preceded in death by her father, Richard Kessel; and her grandparents. Julie is survived by her husband of eight years, Tom Schultz, of Crescent, Iowa; mother, Sharon Espeseth, of Council Bluffs; daughters, Jenise Bryan, of Crescent, and Stephanie Frazier, of Omaha; step-daughter, Jamie Brooks, of Council Bluffs; grandchildren, Kyler Bryan, Morgan Bryan, Tylan Marquez, and Olivia Hollie; siblings, Bonnie Kessel, of Council Bluffs, Scott (Phyllis) Kessel, of Corinth, Texas, Brian (Barb) Kessel, of Denison, Iowa, Ronda (Rod) Simpson, of Clinton, Iowa, Jerry (Lorie) Espeseth, of Avoca, Iowa, and Jennifer (Bryan) Kessel-Burke, of Bucklin, Mo.; her special dog Blossom; and many other relatives and friends. Cremation rites have been accorded. Visitation with the family will be Sunday, December 15, 2013, from 1 to 2 p.m., followed by a Memorial Service at 2 p.m., at Hoy-Kilnoski Funeral Home. Memorials may be sent to Hospice with Heart, Hospice House, 357 Indian Hills Drive, Glenwood, Iowa 51534.