Julaine Ann (Hermes) McKenna

Julaine “Julie” Ann (Hermes) McKenna
 December 18, 1952 – August 7, 2025

Julaine “Julie” Ann McKenna, age 72, of Freedom, WI, passed away peacefully on August 7, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.

Born December 18, 1952, to Sylvester and Joyce (Vanden Heuvel) Hermes, Julie grew up in Kimberly, Wisconsin in a home filled with love, music, and laughter. She built her life centered on family, friendship, and making others feel loved.

Julie was blessed to love and be loved twice in her lifetime. She married Henry McKenna in 1999, together they built a life filled with joy, adventure, and love. She was the devoted mother of Amy (Paul) Bloch, Molly (Jason) Kleberg, and Amanda (Adam) Fredrick; and the loving stepmother of Mandy (Chad Swenson) McKenna and Jenny McKenna.

Her greatest joy was being “Grandma Julie” to Charlie and Joey Bloch; Evan, Ryan, Lashawn, and Shawndrea Kleberg; James, William, and Alex Fredrick; Jayden, Gavin, and Rylee Swenson; and Matthew McKenna. She is also survived by her siblings Ellen Hermes, Jan Hermes (Janel), Paul (Darlene) Hermes, Peter (Laurie) Hermes, along with many beloved nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Sylvester and Joyce Hermes; her brother, Tommy Hermes; her sister, Bonnie Hermes; and her granddaughter, Hazel Julaine Kleberg.

Julie worked as an office coordinator for ThedaCare where her efficiency, organization, and warm smile made her a favorite among coworkers. She retired in 2009 and was able to spend many days making memories with her grandchildren.

Julie dedicated many years of service to the Ladies Auxiliary VFW in Freedom, including serving proudly as president in 2000. She donated and volunteered for numerous non-profit organizations throughout her life including Habitat for Humanity.

Her skill with a needle and thread began as a child, she was incredibly talented- she sewed, she quilted, she knit, and she crocheted. Whatever it was, she could make it. She was sure to gift a handmade sweater or blanket to every new baby she knew.  She always had at least two craft projects—often four—in progress, and created beautiful holiday decor for her home and everyone else. Julie enjoyed gardening, baking, canning, playing cards, camping, puzzles, and supper club dinners with family and friends. Julie was small in stature, just like her father but big in heart and determination. She loved a good challenge, she could always fix what was broken.

Julie adored her cat, Purrcy, who was her constant companion, content to keep her company as she crafted and relaxed each evening. Her dog Whiskey had a talent for mischief that kept Julie on her toes, she loved her anyway.

A natural hostess and organizer, Julie made every holiday, birthday, and get-together something special.  Julie was very social throughout her life, she stayed connected with her high school friends, knitting & sewing groups, and more. Julie treasured each circle of friendship.

Julie shared a love of travel with Henry, exploring both near and far. Together, they enjoyed memorable trips to Costa Rica, Jamaica, Scotland, Ireland, Mexico, Alaska and Hawaii, as well as countless RV adventures across the United States. In retirement, they spent many summers in Door County with friends, savoring sunsets, laughter, and the simple pleasures of life.

Julie’s legacy is one of kindness, generosity, patience, and love. She had a smile and a compliment for everyone she met. She believed in being a good person. She was a one-of-a-kind woman. You were lucky to love her, and even luckier to be loved by her.

A memorial service for Julie will be held on Wednesday, August 13, 2025 at 4:00 p.m. at the Verkuilen Van Deurzen Family Funeral Home, N3972 N. Columbia Ave., Freedom.  A time of visitation will be held on Wednesday from 1:00 p.m until the time of the service at the funeral home.  For online condolences please visit www.verkuilenfh.com

Those who were blessed to know Julie will remember her as the heart of everything, the hand that always reached out to help, and the smile that made life brighter. May her next journey be as beautiful as the life she lived.