Julia A. (O’Meara) Jernstrom
March 21, 1957 – October 17, 2024
God gave us a gift when my wife Julie was born on March 21,1957, in Omaha. She was everything to me and I will dearly miss her smile and spirit. Julie was kind, smart, loving and compassionate. These are all the attributes that led her into the world of teaching–Kindergarten!
After graduating from St. Thomas More Catholic School and Archbishop Ryan High School in Omaha, Julie headed to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where she would make a huge impact. She was an excellent student, who was recognized by the National Honor Society of Mortar Board, for students who excel in scholarship, leadership and service. Julie joined the Alpha Phi Sorority, where she would become the Vice-President of the chapter. Nothing gave her more joy than cheering for the Huskers. Julie was on the Nebraska Yell Squad, where she would become the “Captain” and meet lifelong friends.
Julie asked me to go to a sorority party and it was magic. We got married on July 11, 1980, at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church, where Julie became the new kindergarten teacher.
Christ the King Catholic School wanted to start a new kindergarten class and hired Julie. But teaching came to a halt in 1985.
We started a family. Julie became the devoted mother for our son Jay, and daughter, Holly. Our lives got busy with ballgames, art classes, Girl Scouts, music concerts and church activities. After both kids started school, Julie went back to her love of teaching.
Willowdale Elementary in the Millard Public Schools became her second home for the next 23 years. She earned the nickname the “Queen of Kindergarten” and would become the spirit leader of the school. Julie knew she made an impact on her students as when they would see her in the future and say, “You were my Favorite Teacher!”
Julie’s favorite hobby was travel; trips to Hawaii, Palm Springs, skiing in Colorado, Ireland, Scotland, Lake of the Ozarks, Black Hills, Husker Bowl Games and of course, Paris—Five Times!
Julie loved retirement and became the “go to” substitute teacher. She was also a wonderful aunt to her nieces and nephews, and was always so excited about their accomplishments and activities.
I will miss her so much. The love of my life was taken away so quickly by a terrible cancer, and is now in heaven. Julie said “I have religion and that gives me peace. The cancer is out of my control, but I know God is on my side, because I have FAITH.”
Love you,
Ross
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VISITATION: Friday, October 25, 2024, from 6pm to 7:30PM at St. Robert Bellarmine Catholic Church, 11802 Pacific, followed by VIGIL SERVICE at 7:30PM.
MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL: Saturday, October 26th at 10AM at St. Robert Bellarmine Catholic Church.
Interment, Resurrection Cemetery.
In Julie’s honor, please consider wearing red and white.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Millard Public Schools Foundation. All donations will be used to benefit Willowdale Elementary (mpsfoundation.org or 5231 S. 159th Ave. Omaha, Ne. 68135).
To view live broadcasts of the Vigil Service and Mass, please visit www.heafeyheafey.com and click the “Live Cast” button at the top of the home page.
49 Comments
Ross: I’m so sorry to read about her this morning. My condolences.
Ross,
Maria and I are incredibly saddened by Julie’s passing. She was always so kind, thoughtful, and friendly. I never saw her without a smile on her face. Our prayers are with you and your children. May Julie’s memory be eternal.
I’ve known Julie since grade school. There was always a smile on her face. Such a terrible loss. Hugs to you, Ross and family 💕
I remember Julie well at St. Margaret Mary School. I taught first grade and she was in kindergarten. Those kids were so prepared for first grade, thanks to Julie. She was a great teacher. I’m so sorry for your loss.
My heart and prayers go out to you and your family at such a sad time. She will be missed by all her friends and sisters!!!!!
Ross, sending our sincere sympathy to you and Jay and Holly in the loss of a wonderful active great person. A great dedicated wife, mother, teacher, and neighbor of ours in Millard Heights. Julie was a great role model for many people who knew her. Keep your faith and remember the wonderful memories you and Julie and family had together in your lives. We miss your TV Sports reporting on Channel 6 for many years since we lived to Arizona for our retirement and now live in Tulsa, OK. closer to our son, Scott and family. Our daughter, Joy and her family live in Upstate N.Y. She use to babysit for your children in Millard Heights. You and Julie were great neighbors of ours. Sincerely, Jeanie and Jim Felten
Ross,
I remember volunteering with Julie in the production room at Holling Heights. She was such a sweet lady.
Cindy
I attended St, Thomas More and Ryan with Julie and was a member of Girl Scout Troop 370 where her Mom was leader, I have lived out of town for years, but have alwaya enjoyed follwing Julie’s Facebook page. She was full of life and so happy. She always made me smile. Sending warm thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. May you also find strength in her memory.
Oh Ross, I am so very sorry for your loss. Julie was such a delight and she brought joy to everyone who knew her. Please accept my deepest sympathy and sending hugs and prayers to you and all of your family.❤️🙏❤️
Ross and family,
I was greatly saddened to hear of Julie’s passing. My heart goes out to you and your family. It was a pleasure meeting her and you both for lunch before a Husker game earlier this year. In the short time I knew Julie I learned what a wonderful person she was having lived a life of giving back to her community and friends. May god bless you all. My thoughts and
prayers are with you during these difficult times.
John smith
I still can’t believe that after such a short battle that Julie is gone. I will always remember her xestfor life, teaching, her family, cheering for the Huskers, and her Alpha Phi sisters! My condolences to you, Holly, and Jay. Sending love!❤️
So sorry for your loss-what a beautiful tribute! Prayers for Gods peace over you and your family❤️🙏
My daughter was blessed to be in Mrs. Jernstrom’s class for her final year of teaching at Willowdale before retiring. But that wasn’t the end! We enjoyed seeing Mrs, Jernstrom at talent shows and school events ever since. She just loved those kids and could not stay away. Her passion for educating was clear to anyone who knew her. She was a light and will continue to shine in our hearts for years to come. Sending comforting thoughts to your family in coping with the loss of such a wonderful human.
Ross, Jay, and Holly- my heartfelt condolences to you. I worked with Julie on many occasions at Willowdale as well as with Jay and Holly several times over many years. I watched Julie grow in her teacher role into a favorite teacher and mentor. She leaves a void in some many ways and places. God bless you and hold you in your time of sorrow.
She was a 5-tool person: Great friend, great teacher, great mom, great wife, great daughter/sister. They don’t make ’em like that much anymore. Best to you and the fam, Roscoe
I am so saddened to hear this . She was my daughter kindergarten teacher. I believe it was her first year at Willowdale. She was just amazing. She loved the kids and it showed .
My condolences to her family and many friends.
Mrs Jurnstrum was a very special person and had a positive affect on so many young people she had in her class.
Ross, I’m saddened to learn of Julie’s death. My condolences and prayers to you and your family. We enjoyed our Oak Hills pool visits and I’ll remember those and always smile. My best wishes for you for the days ahead without her.
So very sorry Ross. I’m glad she is no longer in pain and suffering. Also very happy that she had faith. I’m here if you ever want to talk. As you may know, I’ve been through and am going through a similar situation.
My heart breaks thinking of the world without Julie in it. Julie was my first friend when I moved to Oak Street. She was kind, sweet and so pretty. Prayers to her family and all those who knew and loved her.
Ross, I was thinking of you and Julie and my mind immediately returned to the KETV Christmas parties. The party didn’t start until the Flowers and the Jernstroms cut a rug on the dance floor. Good times! My faith says that heaven is for real and this time apart is only temporary. Barb and I send our condolences to you and your family. Peace be with you…
I am so sorry to hear this and sending the family my condolences! She was an angel when I was commuting from downtown back to Millard, and helped out when Jay would take care of my dogs (all 3 of them!). She will be missed, and my thoughts are with you all.
It is so hard to believe this amazing woman will no longer be with us. Her energy always seemed boundless. She is in the Lord’s hands now, keeping ,busy, no doubt! My deepest sympathies to all who loved her.
I was so sorry to hear about loss. Julie was a great friend and mentor who will truly be missed by those that knew her. My prayers that fond memories of her will bring comfort to you and your family in the days ahead. May God’s peace be with you.
Ross: So sorry for your loss of Julie. Whenever our paths crossed, you two were truly inseparable. Prayers from the Patterson family.
Ross, so sorry for your loss. Prayers of comfort and peace to you and your kids.
Ross, Jay and Holly… I am so very sorry for your loss. We ALL lost an amazing friend. Julie was just the brightest light! She was a fabulous wife and mother, a teacher that all teachers should model themselves after, an inspiration to so many former students, and a “sister from another mister” to my husband’s family. Julie made sure that every single event was captured in photos, and made us laugh every time we were together. Heaven gained a very spirited angel!
Ross and family
I am sad and heartbroken at the loss of beautiful, sweet Julie. The world and I will never been the same. She was always a bright light to everyone she met. I will miss her sweet, kind, personality, and her funny sense of humor. Julie was loved by so many people. She was one of my best friends and my cheer sister. I know she will be cheering us on from heaven. I will forever miss my Captain Julie!
All my love,
Deb “Klever”
So sorry Ross to hear about Julie.😞
I had the pleasure of teaching with her at St. Margaret Mary’s school. She was such a fun loving ,enthusiastic Kindergarten teacher. Had the opportunity to reconnect with her at a student SMM reunion a few years ago! She was still her bubbly energetic self. My husband Terry and I are sending you and your family our thoughts and prayers.🙏
So Sorry to hear about Julie’s passing.😞
I had the pleasure of teaching with Julie at St. Margaret Mary’s School. She was such a fun loving, enthusiastic Kindergarten teacher and a joy to work with.
I had the opportunity to reconnect with her at a SMM student class reunion a few years ago and she was still her same bubbly self.
My husband Terry and are are sending you and your family our thoughts and prayers.🙏
Our sincere condolences to you Ross and your family. I didn’t know Julie, but it appears earth has lost, and heaven has gained-an angel. Our prayers are with you. Eternal rest grant unto her O Lord.
Ross, So Sorry for your loss.She will be missed. Sending our heartfelt condolences. Godspeed
Ross, I’m so terribly sorry for your family’s loss. I didn’t know Julie well, but I know how far back she goes with my aunts, uncles, and my mom. And it was always clear to me how much you loved each other. Please know that I’m thinking of you. I hope Julie’s faith is a comfort, not just to her, but to you, Jay, and Holly as well. Prayers to you all.
My heart breaks for you, Ross, Jay and Holly. Julie was one-of-a-kind and she was loved by so many people! She loved each of you fiercely and enjoyed making memories with you. I pray that those wonderful memories sustain you in the weeks, months and years to come. I will miss her smile, her photo-taking, and her questions about all the people we know, she always wanted to stay up-to-date on what was going on with her friends. One of my favorite memories of Julie was seeing her at Mall of America with my girls; the “sports-wives” were shopping while the husbands were working! Love and prayers to you all.
Ross we are heartbroken to hear of Julie’s passing. We will hold the wonderful memories of your time in Scotland with us in our hearts for ever. So sorry we can’t be with you on Friday and Saturday but know that we are with you in spirit and will keep you all in our prayers. All our love Catherine & Bill xxx
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Michele DesRosiers Rooney
Daughter of your former neighbors
Really sad to hear about Julie’s passing. We taught together many years ago. She was great person and friend. Prayers to all.
Ross, my deepest sympathy to you, Jay and Holly. I have many fond memories of Julie as an Alpha Phi sister and fellow educator in Millard Public Schools. Julie was a bright light bringing joy, sunshine and “cheer” to everyone around her. May your memories give you peace and comfort. She will be missed! 🙏
Ross, my deepest sympathy to you, Jay, and Holly. I have many fond memories of Julie as a sister in Alpha Phi and as a fellow educator in Millard Public Schools. She was a bright light that brought joy, happiness, and “cheer” wherever she went. May your memories bring you comfort and peace. She will be missed! 🙏
Very sad to hear about Mrs. Jernstrom. She was my 1st teacher in 1983-84 at Christ The King and I will never forget the incredible memories we had that year…..She was awesome! My condolences go out to her family.
YES ONE PERSON CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!!
Ross, Melissa and I were very sad to hear of Julie’s passing. She was such a bright light and incredible support for so many people. I never saw Julie without a smile, enthusiasm and energy. She truly cared for others. May God grant you peace and comfort during this time. God Bless you and your family.
I am so sorry for your loss. I was your server at spaghetti works and then at oscars. I remember post covid how excited you were for your Ireland trip. I sure hope you were able to go. She was such a kind lady.
Please accept our condolences on your loss Ross ,Bob Jay and Holly. We all have nothing but fond memories of Julie. It was very sad to hear about what happened. She was taken too soon. The Rogers: Chuck Kelly Chuck and Pat. (next door neighbors 100 years ago in Ralston)
I am an Alpha Phi that met Julie at many Alpha Phi Conventions and workshops as we were involved with alumni activities and I lived in California at the time. Her personality was infectious and since my son was majoring in sports broadcast journalism at LSU and we were often attending the CWS, and staying with another Alpha Phi, she spoke often of your career. She was a tremendous Alpha Phi member and a true joy to be around and I am so very sorry for your loss at such a young age. I know that she sure gave hundreds of kids an amazing start on their educational path with her zest for life and learning!
So sorry for your loss Ross.. We really enjoyed our evening at Westside girls basketball Trivia getting to meet your wife and spending the evening. I can see why she was such a great teacher. Vance & Darlene Clark/ Steve’s parents
Ross, I am so sorry. I just heard about Julie. My condolences are with you and your family!! Marlee
Mrs. Jernstrom was my kindergarten teacher. I am truly at a loss to hear that she passed, and I am so sorry for your loss. I just wanted to say I couldn’t have asked for anyone better to start off my education. She was so encouraging, uplifting, and understanding. As an adult now myself, I sometimes can’t imagine how she worked through the troubles of children everyday with such ease and joy. Her imagination inspires me to this day, and I’m so endlessly thankful to her. I’m sending you all so much peace and comfort.
Our son had Mrs Jernstrom as his teacher at Willowdale. He is now 22 and we all are so saddened to hear of her passing. She was a magical person with an amazing talent. God Bless you.
To Ross, Jay, Holly, family and many friends….Please accept my condolences on Julie’s passing. Much too soon. I met Julie back in college because she was part of the Ryan High crowd. I became fast friends with all of them. I remember Julie in particular as having such a warm, friendly and bubbly personality. Boy, did she have the energy! She was so nice and accepting of everyone she met without hesitation.
We were both in the School of Education. I’m so glad she had a long and rewarding career. By reading all the condolences from others here, I can see that Julie touched so many lives.
It is my hope that Julie is resting with the angels, laughing and regaling them with joyful stories about her life. Remember the good times and cherish all the time you were able to share with her. Simply stated, Julie was the best!
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