Juli Kay (Steckler) Sande

Juli Kay (Steckler) Sande, age 69, of Branson, Missouri.

Juli Kay (Steckler) Sande, age 69, of Branson, Missouri, passed away on October 19, 2024. She was surrounded by love, having shared her later life with Barrett Somdahl. Born on September 6, 1955, in Mandan, North Dakota, Juli was the cherished daughter of Vella and Erwin Steckler.

After graduating from Moorhead High School in 1973, she spent most of her life in the Fargo-Moorhead area, where she was involved with Real Life Ministry and raised her two beloved daughters. Juli met Barrett Somdahl in the fall of 2001; they soon fell in love and were engaged in spring 2002. Juli and Barrett shared a beautiful full life in Fargo, North Dakota, and at Little Cormont Lake in Minnesota where they spent time with their kids and grandchildren. You could often find the two of them riding bicycles or enjoying the beautiful views of the local parks.

In 2022, Juli retired to the scenic shores of Lake Taneycomo in Branson, Missouri, where she embraced the beauty of nature at Table Rock Lake and the warmth of the community alongside Barrett. Her passions included singing, playing guitar, crafting, and creatively repurposing furniture. Juli often found peace in reading her Bible and cherished her lunch outings with friends at the Branson Landing in Branson, Missouri.

Juli was preceded in death by her firstborn son, Jeremiah Gene Sande; parents: Vella and Erwin Steckler; and sister, Patricia Echevarria (George).

She is survived by the love of her life, Barrett Somdahl of Missouri; daughter, Angela Bjorklund (Vincent) of South Dakota; grandson, Devan Hopkins (Samara) of Florida; granddaughter, Isabella Hopkins (Paul) of Alabama; granddaughter, Olivia Hopkins of Nebraska; granddaughter, Sophia Hopkins of South Dakota; daughter, Ashley Simmons (Shane) of Minnesota; and granddaughters: Kynlee and Keelyn Simmons. Juli is also survived by her siblings: Gary Steckler (Roberta) of Colorado, Daryl Steckler (Kat) of Kansas, Vanette Steckler of Minnesota, and Ed Steckler of Minnesota; ex-husband, Louie Sande of North Dakota; along with many nieces, nephews, and their families. She also leaves behind Barrett’s daughters: Lahren Sandford (Cole) of Colorado and Hope Barta (Chris) of North Dakota; along with grandchildren: Allison (Race) Heitkamp, Ashton (Darek) Turner, and Mattyson (Brandan) Lee.

A family celebration of life will be held at a later date to honor Juli’s vibrant spirit and the love she shared with those around her. Arrangements and cremation are under the direction of Cremations of the Ozarks. Memories and condolences may be shared by cards to Barrett Somdahl, 280 1B West Woodland Drive, Branson, Missouri 65616 or www.cremationsoftheozarks.com.