Julie Rae Bachand

Julie Rae (Wickstrom) Bachand, Brooklyn Park, MN passed away on July 14, 2017 at her home surrounded by loved ones after a courageous battle with breast cancer. Julie was born on August 7, 1964 in Aitkin, MN to Jerry and Betty (Koskovich) Wickstrom. She grew up in Palisade attending school in Palisade and Aitkin;  graduating  from Aitkin High School in 1982.  She graduated with a Bachelor’s degree from Metro State University and earned her Master’s degree from the University of  St. Thomas while working full-time.

Julie married the love of her life Bryan Bachand on May 23, 1998. Julie’s  greatest accomplishment and biggest joy was being a mother to her three children.  They were gifts she enjoyed her entire life. She was a loving mother to her children, her nephews and nieces, and all of the children she touched with her volunteer work and coaching.

Julie  worked for Ameriprise for 30 years and retired as a Senior Project Manager. She was a lifelong reader and loved to attend book club. Julie enjoyed traveling with her family and friends. She was always athletic , playing softball and running 10 marathons, several ultra-marathons,  completing the 3-day walk for Susan G. Komen, and the Race for the Cure multiple times.

Julie was a lifelong community volunteer and is a testament to community support and involvement. Some of the organizations and activities Julie was involved with include:  Girl Scout leader, a volunteer at Children’s Hospital, a church mentor, a Junior Achievement mentor, Meals on Wheels, People Serving People, the BPAA softball board, ECFE board, BPAA soccer and softball coach. Julie was unanimously elected 2017 coach of the year for BPAA softball, receiving the award the night before her passing. Her softball team were undefeated league champions in 2017.

Julie is survived by her husband of 19 years, Bryan, 3 children: Emily Rae (16), Blake Wickstrom (15), and Maria Kathryn (10).  She is also survived by mother, Betty Wickstrom; 2 brothers, Curtis (Aleata) Wickstrom and Scott (Tammy) Wickstrom; 3 brothers-in-law and 1 sister-in-law, Don (Sandie) Bachand, Hunter (Linda) Bachand, Jerry Schipper, and Lynn (John) Barbier.  Julie  is also survived by 9 nephews and 3 nieces, uncle Carroll (Neva) Wickstrom and aunt Donna Knutson.  She was preceded in death by her father Jerry Wickstrom in 2017.

A visitation will be held at the Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 7217 West Broadway Ave., Brooklyn Park, MN  on Tuesday, July 18, 2017 from 6-8:30 pm. The Celebration for Life will be held on Wednesday, July 19, 2017 at 11 am at the Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Brooklyn Park  with visitation 1 hour before. Burial will be at Pine Grove Cemetery in Palisade, MN. In lieu of flowers memorials preferred for the children’s education.

Visitation one hour before the service at the church. Interment Pine Grove Cemetery in Palisade, MN.

Tuesday, July 18, 2017 06:00 PM - 08:30 PM

Prince of Peace Lutheran Church 7217 West Broadway Brooklyn Park, MN 55428

Wednesday, July 19, 2017 11:00 AM

Prince of Peace Lutheran Church 7217 West Broadway Brooklyn Park, MN 55428

Visitation one hour before the service at the church. Interment Pine Grove Cemetery in Palisade, MN.