Julie Howard
Julie Howard
Julie Ann Howard, 77, of Circle died Dec. 25, 2021, in Circle.
She was born to Ed and Blanche Elverud of Circle on Nov. 11, 1944. She attended school in Circle, graduating as valedictorian of her high school class in 1962. While in school, she developed a love of music, learning to play the piano and the baritone saxophone and it was that “barisax” that led her to Westmar College in Iowa on a music scholarship.
While in college, she met her first husband, Vern Dockter, and together their journeys led her to Illinois, where, as a licensed teacher, she taught Spanish from 1966 through 1969. After a move to Denver, Colo., she earned a master’s degree in library science and earned the title of “Mom” on April 12, 1971, welcoming twins, Angela and Jeff Dockter, into the world. She returned to Circle in 1974 after a divorce.
In 1976, she married Robert “Bob” Thorgaard of Circle. She became a step-mother to Bob’s three children and, together, they welcomed eight grandchildren into the family during their 15-year marriage that ended with Bob’s death in 1991.
A long-time friendship culminated in a marriage to John Albert “Bub” Howard on July 4, 1993. Soon after, they welcomed two grandchildren into the family while he farmed and she worked for Circle Insurance Agency, where she sold insurance until her retirement.
In retirement, she devoted her time to playing the piano on Sundays at the Evangelical Church in Circle, serving on the board of the Circle Chamber of Commerce, and starting many numerous quilting projects that produced many beautiful quilts.
She is survived by her husband, Bub Howard; brother, Ed Elverud; and two children, Angela Harris and Jeff Dockter; two step-children and numerous grandchildren.
A celebration of life was held at the Evangelical Church in Circle on Sunday, Jan. 9.
