Julie Marie Alexander

Marengo-Julie Marie Alexander was born October 26, 1960, in Marengo, Iowa, the daughter of Kenneth and Marian (Bral) Gorsch. She graduated from Iowa Valley High School in 1979. Julie grew up in rural Marengo and lived in Marengo throughout her life. Julie was united in marriage to Greg Wagner on April 23, 1981. They later divorced. Julie was united in marriage to Kevin Alexander on October 29, 1994 in Victor and to this union they were blessed with two kids. Kevin also brought a step-child into Julie's life. They later divorced. Julie worked at Iowa Valley Eye Care (formerly Dr. Susan Davis) for 40 years. Julie was very active in her community earning the Governor Volunteer Award in 2008. She was a member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church and was a Sunday School teacher for 40 years, former director of Religious Education, vacation bible school volunteer, former parish council secretary and Altar and Rosary President. Julie was also a former Iowa Valley PTO secretary, Marengo Community Center/Senior Dining volunteer, the treasurer of the MCC Board of Directors, City Park sign, and co-founder of the Marengo Tree Walk. She enjoyed scrapbooking, crafts, decorating and supporting her children when they were in school going to all of their activities and events. One of her greatest accomplishments was raising her children as a single parent. After a long battle with cancer, Julie died peacefully Sunday, October 5, 2025, at Compass Memorial Healthcare, at the age of 64 years.

She is survived by her children, Austin (Alyssa) Alexander of Des Moines, Kyra (Mitchell) Thys of Hartwick and step-son Tyler (Michelle) Alexander of North Liberty; three grandchildren, Karter Thys, William and Ryan Alexander; siblings, Janet (Doug) Emerson of Marengo, JoAnn (Scott) Long of Blairstown and Jeff Gorsch of Marengo; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and a niece in infancy.

Funeral Mass will be at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 9, 2025 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Marengo with Fr. Lemaster and Fr. Wilkening officiating. Burial will be held in the Calvary Cemetery in Marengo. Visitation will be Wednesday from 4:00-7:00 p.m. with a Rosary Service at 3:30 p.m. at Powell Funeral Home in Marengo. A memorial fund has been established for Marengo Senior Dining and St. Patrick's Catechism. Powell Funeral Home in Marengo is caring for Julie and her family. Messages may be left at www.powellfuneralhomes.com