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Julie Ellen Runge Rehder, 81, of Newell died July 19, 2026, at Methodist Manor in Storm Lake.
Funeral services will take place Thursday, July 23, at 11 a.m. at First Congregational United Church of Christ in Newell. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Storm Lake is in charge of the arrangements.
Julie was born on Nov. 25, 1944, to Lorraine (Lange) and John Runge in Cherokee. She and her brother grew up on a farm near Calumet. She attended school in Calumet until her junior year, graduating from Sutherland High School in 1963.
While growing up, Julie loved riding horses, especially her very stubborn horse, Mickey. She showed cattle at the O’Brien County Fair and often had the champion calf. She was a cheerleader for her high school boys’ basketball team and cheered at the state tournament. She especially cheered for a player named Bob Rehder, who she ultimately married.
After graduation, Julie went to the school of cosmetology in Sioux City. She married Bob on Sept. 5, 1964. The couple settled in Newell with Julie beginning her career as a hairdresser. The couple had three children: Lisa, Kristen and Ryan. Julie was a devoted mom and also a doting grandmother. When Ryan started school, Julie changed careers and became a teacher’s associate at Newell-Fonda.
Julie was active in the Newell community. She was a long-time member of the First Congregational UCC in Newell, serving the church in several capacities. She served food for fellowship and served on the stewardship committee.
Julie and Bob enjoyed time together on the golf course. They participated in two balls together, and Julie was a better than average putter. The couple also discussed fond memories of a trip to Hawaii.
Julie was preceded in death by her grandparents, parents, brother Dennis and infant son Bill.
Julie is survived by her husband Bob Rehder; children: Lisa (Mike) Christiansen, Kristen (Steve) Mather and Ryan Rehder; grandchildren: Jill (Matthew) Johnston, Megan (Andrew) Richter, Kate (Luke) Greiner, Kieran Mather and Alex Mather. Julie adored her great-grandchildren: Colton, Brandy, Brayan and Phoebe Johnston; Lorraine Richter; and Ezekiel Greiner. Julie is also survived by siblings-in-law: Darrell (Sandra) Rehder, Kathy (Mark) Fassler and Joan Runge.
