The Memorial Service Broadcast will open 15 minutes prior to the start time of 1:00 p.m.
Julie Lynn Knudson, age 40, recently passed away on March 23, 2022. Julie was born on August 1st, 1981 in Deer Lodge, Montana to James Eugene Knudson and Janet Lenore Knudson. She has two older sisters, Tawny and Lisa, and one younger sister, Amy. The family moved from Deer Lodge to Billings, Montana in 1984, where Julie graduated from high school in 2000. She moved to Helena shortly thereafter, where she met and married her ex-husband Jason Slead. They had two boys together, Jaden and Jaryn, both of whom she loved very much.
Julie graduated from Helena College of Technology with an LPN degree in 2012, and spent time working as a pediatric nurse. A lifetime learner, Julie enjoyed spending time hiking in nature and appreciating it’s beauty. She loved all animals, especially her dog Petunia. As a talented artist, she enjoyed drawing and painting, and also played the piano and flute.
Julie is survived by her sons, Jaden and Jaryn Slead, her mother Jan Knudson, and sisters Tawny Childs (Alex), Lisa Hoke (Tad), and Amy Horsman (Michael), as well as her many nieces, nephews, cousins, Aunts and Uncles, all of whom will love and miss her dearly. She is preceded in death by her father James Knudson, her grandparents, Dortha and Kenneth Knudson, Barbara and Gary Pearson, cousin Trevor Brown, and uncles Richard Knudson, Gary D. Pearson, Stephen Pearson, and Benjamin Pearson.
Julie fought a difficult battle with mental illness for many years, and though it eventually lead to her early death, she was always a strong advocate for women and individuals with mental illness, given the suffering she herself experienced and the suffering she witnessed in others. She passionately believed in improving access to quality mental health treatment and as such, we would like to honor her memory by requesting donations to the National Alliance of Mental Illness in lieu of flowers. We love her deeply, and will miss her warmth, empathy, humor, insight, and passion. We invite friends, family members, and others whose lives were touched by Julie, to remember her with us at Anderson Stevenson and Wilke Funeral Home in Helena, Montana, on Saturday, April 2nd at 1pm.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
1:00 PM
Saturday April 2, 2022
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N MONTANA AVE
Helena, MT 59602
Reception
Following the Memorial Service
Saturday April 2, 2022
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
1:00 PM
Saturday April 2, 2022
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N MONTANA AVE
Helena, MT 59602
Reception
Following the Memorial Service
Saturday April 2, 2022
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
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Pat Dimzoff says
My heart feels your pain. I’m not sure if I worked with her at the Happy Diner, but all of Jan’s girls were really special girls! You have my sympathy and love.
Pat Dimzoff
Debbie Williams says
Janet, I’m so very sorry for your loss, I just can’t even imagine the heart break that you and Laura have both had to go through. Just know we love you, and are thinking about you and your girls. ❤️ From your cousin, Debbie Williams
Cindy Pearson Mathis says
Jan, Sorry for Heart break you are going thru. Its been a very long time since we have spoken. Jan you and family are in my prayers. Still feel a connection, Love you .
Sandy Belcher says
Janet, I’m so sorry for your loss and just know that I’m thinking about you and your family in this difficult time ! Love to you and the family!♥️
Sandy ( your cousin in Missoula)
Laurie Koutnik says
As one who attended Sunday services with her on occasion, she was a bright spot and always uplifting. Our Lord and her Savior has her in His arms- no more tears, no more suffering. Rest in His love and peace- the peace that passes all understanding.
Praying the Comforter will draw near in those times when grief washes over you- those she dearly loved and still remain. Be gentle with yourselves and never forget her love for you.
Candy Pearson Clark says
So sorry for your & your families loss. Losing a child no matter the age is so heartbreaking. Sending love, hugs & Prayer to your whole family. I love you & will be thinking of you all.
Kelly Downing says
Jan, Tawny, Lisa and Amy…..I am forever thankful to have had time with her when she lived with us temporarily, when she first arrived in Helena. She was a sweetheart with a tremendous heart for wanting to help others. Gary teased her often and made her laugh frequently. She had such a beautiful spirit! I love you all and hope all the wonderful memories of Julie give you some peace as you remember her and grieve.
Paula Widner says
So sorry for your loss. Thinking of you & your family at this heartbreaking time , sending love and prayers. My condolences Janet 🌹
Laurie Kimball Brown says
Jan, Tawny, Lisa and Amy (and extended families), I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. May Julie live forever in your hearts.
Jake says
Jan, Tawny, Lisa, and Amy, I am so sorry for your loss. Christina, the boys, and I are sending all our love your way.
All the best,
Jake
Lauren Murphy says
Jason,
Our hearts goes out to you, Jaden, Jaryn and the rest of your family. Knowing the Slead family like we do, we know you will be surrounded with love and support. Know you have ours, too.
Lauren and Mark