Julie Anderson

Julie (Fenske) Anderson lived life to the fullest and loved fiercely, filling her days with joy, laughter, and endless love for her family. She cherished lake life, especially spending summer days on West Battle Lake, where many of her happiest memories were made.

Julie passed away peacefully on March 11, 2026, surrounded by her family.

Julie was born November 21, 1963, in Paynesville, MN to Herb and Carol Fenske. She went to Paynesville elementary and high school, graduating early. She attended Alexandria Vo-Tech for Fashion Merchandising. This is where she fell in love with her soulmate, Bob Anderson. Julie and Bob got married April 27, 1985. Together they built a life over 41 years filled with laughter, love, and unforgettable memories. Julie managed a few clothing stores before moving into marketing at Carlson Companies and then eventually to Optum Health. She made many lifelong friends at both companies.

Julie and Bob built their first house in Otsego, where they lived for 30 years, raising their two daughters, Trisha and Danielle. Julie loved being part of her daughter’s activities. She proudly served as her daughter’s girl scouts leaders, guiding and making meaningful memories for her troops. She spent countless hours endlessly supporting her daughters, which included many days and weekends spent at tennis tournaments, dance competitions, gymnastic events, soccer tournaments. Julie was always one of the parents you could hear cheering on her daughters, never missing a single event or game.

In 2017, Julie and Bob fulfilled their shared dream of buying a lake home on West Battle Lake, and in 2021 they sold their house in Otsego and became permanent residents of Battle Lake. Julie loved taking pontoon cruises, enjoying the sunsets, spending time with family and friends, watching Wild hockey, going to many different breweries around the state, and being on the golf course with her family and friends. Julie loved taking trips and was lucky enough to visit her favorite place, Maui, four times- two with Bob and two with their girls. She also made many trips to Walt Disney World, with both immediate and extended family, making memories every chance she had. Julie and Bob had 3 dogs throughout their life together, Beagles Brandi and Abbey, and of course Pickles, the house controlling Yorkie! She loved them all and enjoyed taking walks with them.

Julie was a strong, determined, loving woman who cared deeply about her family and friends. She enjoyed spending time with all of them, playing cards and games, enjoying a cocktail or two and sharing appetizers. Julie loved capturing pictures and scrapbooking them, spending many hours on her own and many weekends with the scrapbooking ladies putting countless books together.

Julie’s greatest pride and joy were her four grandchildren. They were the light of her life and nothing made her happier than talking about them and spending every moment she could by their sides. She had a special gift for making them smile whether through reading books and playing, sharing lots of hugs, and simply being present in the little moments that mattered most. She treasured watching them grow from tiny babies into little rambunctious kids, and she loved every stage of who they were becoming. Being a grandma is what she cherished most.

Julie will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by her family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing her for her remarkable ability to make everyone feel important, loved, and welcome- as though they were family. Her smile and the sparkle in her eyes were always amazing. Julie will leave a huge void in our world but will be filling a void up in heaven, as a guardian angel. She truly did shine a light wherever she went.

Julie is survived by her husband Bob, daughters Trisha (Bennet Stich) and Danielle (Austin Koeppe), grandchildren Layne Stich, Lennox Stich, Lucy Stich, Crew Koeppe, and twin Stich babies arriving in May 2026, as well as her mother Carol (Adams) Fenske, brothers Randy Fenske, Steve Fenske, Brian Fenske and sister Susie Denn. Preceding her in death is her father, Herb Fenske, grandparents Art and Hertha Fenske, and her father-in-law, Jack Rehkamp.

Julie's Celebration of Life is planned for Thursday, March 19, 2026, at Glende-Nilson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls. Visitation will be from 1-2:30, with her service starting at 2:30.

Honoring Julie's wishes, following the service please join us at the Little Bar and Grill in Battle Lake, which will be closed to the public and reserved in Julie's honor to enjoy cocktails.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials go to your local animal shelter or the Battle Lake food pantry.