Julie Eileen Unsen

Julie Eileen Unsen, 57, of Dubuque lost her battle with Cancer on December 4, 2018 in her home while surrounded by family and loved ones.

A funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m. Friday, December 7th,2 018 at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road with Msgr. James Miller officiating. Entombment will be in Mount Olivet Cemetery. Visitation for family and friends will be from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Thursday, December 6th, 2018 at Leonard Funeral Home. Family and friends may also gather after 9:00 a.m. Friday until time of services. 

Julie was born on November 2, 1961 in Dubuque to parents, John “Peach” and Rita (Splinter) Cavanaugh.

Julie worked at Flexsteel Industries for 28 years.  Most of her years were spent sewing.  She enjoyed her time behind her sewing machine, as well as getting to know her many co-workers throughout the plant.  

Her favorite things in life were her grandchildren, and children…sometimes in that order!  She loved sewing in her free time, especially when her grandchildren wanted something extra special made.  She had a knack for decorating, whether it be her house, or simply creating a gift given to a loved one.  She also had an affinity for the color pink, and collected any and every flamingo her eye would catch.  And at times, Julie was also known to love a quick shopping trip…or two!

Julie is survived by her children, Mandy (Zachary) Krapfl and Clay Unsen, with whom she shared with ex-husband, Robert M. Unsen; grandchildren, Killian and Cavin Krapfl; grand-fur babies Dakota and Lola; and her boyfriend and care giver, Rick Weland.  She is survived by seven sisters and two brothers:  Nancy Hess; Mary Jane (Rod) Krapfl; Gary (Suzie) Cavanaugh; Diane Cavanaugh, all of Dubuque.  Darlene (Lor) Krapfl and Dan (Jana) Cavanaugh, all of Peosta.  Laurie (Mike) Foster of Walkerton, Indiana.  Amy (Tim) Stierman of Zwingle, and Janet “Charlie” Balk (Denny Huber) of Delaware, Iowa.  She is also survived by her maternal and paternal aunts and uncles, and the many, many, MANY nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews that the family has been blessed with over the years. 

Julie is proceeded in death by her parents, John and Rita Cavanaugh; brother, Dale Cavanaugh; a brother in infancy; and her brother-in-law, Ronnie Hess. 

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. David P. Bender, Gynecologic Oncologist at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics for his dedication towards Julie’s care that ultimately extended her life to the fullest.  Another special thank you goes to Dr. Mark E. Hermann, Hospice Physician, of Grand River Medical Group for the time and care given to Julie.  And finally, to the staff at Hospice of Dubuque that were involved in Julie’s care, words cannot express the gratitude we feel for the time spent caring for her up until the last of her days.  To her nurse Cindy, you were the perfect fit and came at the right time in Julie’s journey; we are forever grateful.

The family would also like to extend an extra special thank you to the many people in the community, and the various businesses that donated to the Julie (Cavanaugh) Unsen Benefit back on 11/4/15.  The money raised helped with trial and experimental treatment medication as she progressed through chemotherapy.  We truly believe the money raised helped extend Julie’s life beyond expectations.  And lastly, the family wants to give a huge thank you to all of those who helped BELIEVE as much as Julie did as she faced the ugly monster known as Cancer.  

In lieu of flowers a Julie Unsen Memorial Fund has been established.
 

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.