Julie A. Yepsen
Julie A. Yepsen, age 63, of Gurnee, IL, died on Saturday, May 31, 2025 in Quincy. Simply put, Julie was placed on this Earth to be a teacher. She had a passion for education, sharing knowledge with and learning from others. She was compensated for working with children in St. Louis, Waukegan, and Antioch, but most of her true teaching occurred outside the structure of a classroom.
Marriage in 1987, united Julie with Mark for 33 years. This relationship allowed for travel adventures and cultivated her love, understanding, and appreciation of nature. Her one and only prince, Gavin Yepsen, came into this world during this timeframe. She proudly witnessed him evolve into the person he is today.
Appreciation of life, truly developed for Julie beginning in 2020. She was given three angels on Earth who each gave of themselves for her benefit: Steve – security, Ben – an ear to allow for healing, and Glenn – a new companion on her journey. Julie’s father, Robert “Bob” Bastean was a constant rock for her throughout all the highs and lows she experienced. He preceded her in death.
Extended family members and friendships were blessings for Julie. She referred to these people as “her peeps” and would seek out the support of the exact person she needed at each critical situation or juncture. She benefited from the sage comments of Ellie, her counselor, for years.
St. Boniface Catholic Church, Quincy, IL and The Church of Saint Patrick in Wadsworth, IL were anchors for Julie’s childhood and adult life. She sang alto in choirs and grew from spiritual advisors in these settings. She was carried by her faith during all times needed.
Julie’s care team at the Cancer Treatment Center of America provided her phenomenal support. Holistic techniques and natural supplements allowed Julie to greatly surpass expected survival rates for her breast cancer called metaplastic carcinoma. She is forever grateful for Dr. Sunhee for all she provided, well beyond medical needs.
Overall, Julie relied on humor to keep herself grounded. She stopped to smell all the roses she wanted and truly lived her DASH life. Julie learned to appreciate each day as a gift which she opened with the sunrise and closed with the sunset. She hopes you’ll remember her by keeping a song in your heart, wearing bright colors, and taking walks along Lake Michigan. She believes the song “God Has Smiled on Me” best represents her life.
Julie’s mother, Janet Staggs Bastean, has been waiting to welcome her return home to Jesus. Her grandparents, aunts, and uncles are on the greeting team, too. Julie is rejoicing at the reunion with her castle canine, Peyton. She plans to play the piano in Heaven and sing with the angels. Her siblings are Linda Timpe (Ralph), Lorie Bastean (Greg Sutter), and her Costa Rican sister, Gabriela Mena (Johnny Segura).
Cremation rites have been accorded. A memorial visitation will take place on Friday, June 20, 2025 from 4:00 PM until 6:00 PM at the Duker & Haugh Funeral Home. Funeral services will be Friday, June 27th, 2025 at 10:00 AM In St. Patrick’s Church, Wadsworth IL.
Julie always had a song and a smile for everyone…you will be missed ,fly high with the angels my friend. My thoughts and prayers for all during this dfficult time
I met Julie through our jobs in Gurnee. We quickly became friends. She was so personable that you couldn’t resist her. LOL. I watched her life drastically change and was so in awe of the way she moved through it all. No matter what was happening to her, she fought hard for her place in life and her peace. Julie embodied the best of humanity, always giving, listening, helping and appreciating every one she met on her journey. I am so proud she allowed me to share her amazing world. She was truly an angel. I miss you “my dear”.
I met Julie in grade school and we had a great friendship. Time moved on and after decades, we reconnected. Her positive attitude, strength, wisdom, and faith got me through a few rough roads I had to travel recently. While her struggles were much worse than mine, she always had something positive to say or she’d play the perfect song that I needed to hear. I can only imagine the beautiful music in heaven. I will miss singing along with those musical posts she so graciously made and getting advice from her amazing knowledge of natural healing. R.I.P. Julie. Your job on this Earth is done. And….a Great job you did!!!
Only met Julie several months ago when she began attending Bluff Hall EFC Church! Always visited with her after service. She was uplifting and knowledgeable about the Lord! Was always positive in spite of her medical struggles? Will miss your smile Jule! Sing Sing! With the Angels!
I was also a grade school friend of Julie’s. We were lucky enough to have this friendship continue all thru our Blue Devil Days at QHS. We reconnected when she would visit out at class reunions. She was a very giving person who tremendously enjoyed trips to admire God’s creation. She had a beautiful voice and was also a fellow band mate.RIP Julie, it’s time for you to receive the blessings of heaven you so deserve. You will be missed. PS tell Linda she is missed also
I reconnected with Julie on FB.. I enjoyed listening to her playing the piano. Gone too soon. I have no doubt God is comforting her and she is singing with the angels . RIP, no more struggles, suffering or pain. You will be missed.
My dear, dear friend. I will miss our 4 AM “Good Morning” texts – while the world was still asleep – sending silly memes and messages to start our day with a smile. I will forever be in awe of your strength, optimism, and positivity. I am glad I was frequently at your home during your final weeks of your time left on earth and will always remember the many conversations we had, some serious, some silly, and sometimes just sitting in the silence of companionship.
I love you and will miss you, with a tight hug and my love, always! Karen
I’m so sorry to hear of Julie’s passing. My deepest sympathies to her family. Julie and I were great friends as pre-teens. She also took piano lessons from my late Mother, Mrs. Harold Madsen (Pat). Her kind soul and musical talent stretched far and wide. A wonderful person!
Julie and I were in band together and also went to school together. Always had a smile on her face & was a very pleasant person. RIH Julie til we meet again! Your family will be in my prayers.
I sang with her at the St. Boniface choir years ago in Quincy. We had just found each other over the internet. We had planned to have a meal together when she had time here in Quincy. I was looking forward to meeting her again. I am so sorry that we weren’t able to meet.
Linda, Thinking of you at another difficult time in your life. Just learned of this at mass this evening. Remember your parents are welcoming Julie to their eternal home. My prayers are for all of her family.
Hi, I am so sorry… I know my teacher but my good friend Ashley did called me who’s my teacher honestly I don’t remember…. Wait min I asked Ashely again said what’s her name. My mind like last moment memory oh yeah that’s 25 years ago… I started crying I know she’s great teacher to me that’s my favorite teacher Julie 🥹