Juliann Marie Pettit, daughter of George and Edna (Kuecker) Maahs, was born December 1, 1935 in Whittemore, Iowa. She attended school in Whittemore and graduated from Whittemore High School. Julie was a talented basketball player and played throughout her high school years.
On October 29, 1955 Julie was united in marriage to Ronald Pettit in Whittemore. To this union four children were born. Ron and Julie made their home on a farm near Cylinder.
Julie helped Ron on the farm as well as being a devoted mother and homemaker. She loved to bake and cook for her family and she was always ready to entertain guests at her home. Julie also worked for a short time at Berkley’s in Emmetsburg.
She was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Emmetsburg and had been a Cub Scout leader when her sons were young.
Julie soon became known as “Franny” to her family and friends. She and Ron took their family on annual fishing trips to Canada which was a highlight for the entire family. One of Franny’s favorite things to do was to go fishing. She also enjoyed snowmobiling, playing golf and cards, and bowling. Franny seemed to be the happiest when she was around her family, especially her grandchildren. Franny just loved life, having fun, and being with her friends and family.
Julie died Saturday, January 3, 2009 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester, Minnesota at the age of 73. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Ronald in 1991; a brother, Don Maahs; a sister, Eileen Emery; sisters-in-law, Mimi Maahs and Mary Ellen Maahs; and brother-in-law, Milford Gade.
She is survived by her children, Dave and Cindy Pettit of Cylinder, IA, Jim Pettit of Fort Dodge, IA, Jeri and John Heddinger of Emmetsburg, IA and Sandy and Les Zearing; twelve grandchildren, Brady Heddinger, Katie Heddinger, Heidi Wilt, Lindsey Jones, Wade Pettit, Molly Pettit, Kaycee Pettit, Haley Pettit, Amy Fuller, Jenna Zearing, Chelsea Zearing, Jeremy Fischer; five great grandchildren; brothers and sisters, Bob (Pat) Maahs of Algona, IA, Kate Gade of West Bend, IA, Paul (LeAnn) Maahs of Rogers, MN, Dick Maahs of Litchfield, IL, Marilyn (Merlin) Dietrich of Plover, IA, Bill (Darlene) Maahs of Aurora, NE, Ellen (Don) Manley of McAllen, TX; brother-in-law, Ron Emery of Blairsville, Georgia; as well as many other relatives and friends.
SERVICE
St. Paul Lutheran Church
Emmetsburg, Iowa
Wednesday, January 7, 2009, 10:30 A.M.
INTERMENT
Evergreen Cemetery
Emmetsburg, Iowa