Julie Kay (Haines) Anderson passed away Tuesday, March 17, 2020, at her home in Albert Lea at 62 years of age. To protect the health and safety of all, funeral services are currently being limited as required by state and local authorities and the CDC. A private ceremony will be held for the family, and Julie will be interred at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Hillcrest Cemetery in Albert Lea. There will be a celebration of life at a later date to commemorate her memory.

Julie was born March 4, 1958, in Albert Lea to JoAnn and John Haines. She was baptized and confirmed at First Lutheran Church of Albert Lea and attended Albert Lea High School. In 1992, Julie survived a motorcycle accident, and from that time forward wore her trademark eyepatch.

Over the years Julie worked at Enderes Tool and as a bartender and beautician, but her favorite role was that of mother to her children Dustin and Angel. Julie devoted her life to their happiness and filled their lives with love and light. She was over the moon when she became a grandmother to Sophia, Samantha and Clark. Beyond blood, many considered Julie to be a second mother to them, including her stepdaughter, Nissa.

Julie was a beloved member of the community. Her big heart was legendary. She was a spiritual person who believed everyone deserved love and kindness. She saw good in all souls.

Music was Julie’s life. She was always singing and loved to perform. She was a member of several bands throughout her life, including Harley Marley, High Adventure, Just Us and her and John Norland II Piano Bar Duo.

Similarly, Julie loved signing karaoke. She was also a dedicated Minnesota Twins fan and avid Betty Boop collector. She was remarkably good at claw arcade games and also enjoyed taking a chance at scratch off tickets and at the casino.

Julie is survived by her son, Dustin (Emily) Gonzales; daughter, Angel (Damon Maxwell) Anderson; grandchildren Sophia, Samantha and Clark; partner, John Nordland II; siblings Tracy (Robin) Haines and Brenda (Ken) Keesling; nieces and nephews Joey, Justice (Courtny), Jesse, Jennaca (fiancé, Dylan Madson), Anna (Alex Mitchell) Keesling, Alyssa (fiance, Tyler Anderson) Keesling, Oliva Keesling and Brendan Keesling; great-nieces and nephews Cameron, Zayne, Paislee, Preston and Savannah; stepdaughter, Nissa (Zach) Morgan; uncle, Robert, and aunt, Martha; and countless friends who felt a close personal bond with her.

Julie was proceeded in death by her parents; brother, Daniel; infant nephew, John Paul; uncles Veryl, Steven, Ed, Clinton, Duane and Leland; and aunts Fern, Betty and Jean.

“As we mourn the loss of this beautiful soul taken from us too soon, we must remind ourselves of what Julie would say: ‘This too shall pass,’” her family and friends said.