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of Kalamazoo, MI, formerly of Chelsea, MI, age 57, passed away after an accident on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at Corewell Hospital in Grand Rapids. She was born on September 11, 1968, in Pontiac, Michigan, the daughter of Albert Floyd & Gari June (Foster) Monroe. 

Julie grew up in Clarkston, MI where she developed a love for music and theater.  She played trumpet in the high school jazz band and starred in many musicals, including Oklahoma!, where she played Aunt Eller.  After graduating from Clarkston High School, Julie went to Central Michigan to become a math teacher.  She began her career at Holly Middle School, then went to Chelsea School District as a high school math teacher. She later became an assistant principal at Beach Middle School and then principal at Chelsea High School followed by assistant superintendent from 2012 - 2016.  In 2016, Julie retired from the Chelsea School District and became the CEO of Silver Maples in Chelsea, serving there until 2024, when she became President/CEO of Heritage Community of Kalamazoo.

 On August 4, 1990, she married Dennis H. Deppner in Clarkston, MI, and he survives. Other survivors include her mother, Gari Monroe of Battle Creek; two sons, Nicholas (Haley) of Ludington, Drew (Madeline) of Royal Oak; her sister Carrie (Chris) Phillips of Battle Creek, and several nephews and nieces.  She was preceded in death by a son, Evan Deppner, her father, Albert Monroe; and a sister, Shelly Goodge.

Making connections is what Julie was all about.  She influenced and played key roles in many community service organizations such as Rotary, Chamber of Commerce, Chelsea Senior Center and LeadingAge Michigan.  Her smile and personality instantly created many lifelong connections.

While she did enjoy shopping, family was her favorite hobby, supporting her boys through schooling, activities and many Chelsea Swim Meets.  She was also an amazing decorator, helping direct her husband on many renovation projects.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, Dec. 18, 2:00 pm at the First United Methodist Church of Chelsea, with Rev. Joy Barrett officiating. The family will receive friends at Cole Funeral Chapel on Wednesday, from 2-5 & 6-9 pm and at the church Thursday from 1-2 pm.  Burial at Oak Grove East Cemetery in Chelsea at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the Silver Linings Fund at Silver Maples, the building fund at Heritage of Kalamazoo, 2400 Portage St., Kalamazoo, MI 49001 (please note "In Memory of Julie Deppner" in the memo line) or the Chelsea Education Foundation.

 

The church is planning to livestream Julie's service. Here is the link on YouTube:  https://youtube.com/live/vGyLJMC9q1w?feature=share
 
 

 You may share a memory or leave a message for Julie's family using the form below. Please allow up to 24 hours for us to review and post your message. 

 

 

 

Comments  

#37 Audrey VanWylen 2025-12-18 22:24
Ms Deppner was one of those people who made teenagers feel like she actually cared about them and enjoyed talking to them. She was genuinely interested in us and it meant a lot to me in high school. I remember after graduation her telling me that I could call her Julie and I just couldn’t do it. :) Even after all these years since my graduation in 2002, I remember her fondly and my prayers go out to those her knew her even better than I.
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#36 Carlos Diaz 2025-12-18 19:04
May the Lord grant you wisdom and strength at this difficult time.
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#35 Link-age Solutions 2025-12-18 16:09
Our team was fortunate to spend time with Julie, and we will always remember her genuine kindness and the light she brought into every interaction. She had a special way of making people feel valued and appreciated. We are deeply saddened by her passing and offer our heartfelt sympathy and support to her family and friends. Her memory will remain an inspiration to all of us.
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#34 LuAnn Dettore 2025-12-18 11:35
Dear Dennis, Barb, Denise and all the Deppner Family,
I was so very sorry to hear of Julie's passing. She was truly a great person. We are thinking of all of you and sending our love and prayers at this time.

LuAnn ^ Butch Dettore
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#33 Kristy Loftis 2025-12-17 17:23
I don't even know where to begin. Mrs. Deppner was such a sweet person. She was my 9th grade math teacher. She always made me feel seen and heard. I have run into her several times as an adult over the last couple of years and she always went out of her way to say hello and even remembered me after all these years. I am so heartbroken for her family and all that knew her especially knowing there was a grand baby on the way. I hope time can heal the sadness but always know she will be with you. She definitely left her presence known on this earth. Truly an amazing person. ❤️
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#32 St Pierre Family 2025-12-17 14:44
Julie was a wonderful person and principal of CHS. We all were so saddened to hear of her passing. Our hearts go out to her family and will keep you all in our thoughts and prayers.
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#31 Taylor Lewis 2025-12-17 12:34
Julie was my principal at CHS, and I worked with her at silver maples. She always brought comfort with her smile, she always said hi to me in the halls . She was a great speaker and educator. She also had some of my favorite chocolate on her desk to share. She will be so missed. I'm so sad to hear this. Thinking of your family at this difficult time.
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#30 Kim Billig Phelps 2025-12-16 23:53
I met Julie at Sashabaw Jr. High many moons ago. We did a lot of laughing throughout the years, especially in band. We, unfortunately, lost track of each other after graduation, but when I saw her picture, she looked just the same, with a twinkle in her eyes and a big smile on her face. My deepest sympathies to you all as you navigate the upheaval of your lives. I, too, experienced the sudden loss of my spouse so I do feel your pain. May the Lord draw you close and help you through these exhausting days. Know that everything that the Lord allows in our lives serves a purpose; nothing catches Him by surprise. We may not understand things now, but one day we will. May the Lord comfort you as only He can, give you strength to continue on the path He has for you, and give us all peace knowing just how blessed we were to have had sweet Julie in our lives, even if it was for just a short while. I look forward to seeing her again one day…
With love and prayers,
Kim (Billig) Phelps
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#29 Roger Siegfried 2025-12-16 18:41
Dear Dennis, I was heartbroken to hear about Julie. Please know that you, Nicolas and Drew are in my thoughts during this incredibly difficult time. I wish I could be there in person to support you, but Patty and I are sending you all our thoughts and prayers from afar.

Julie was always such a kind and wonderful person when we had the opportunity to interact in the past. From what I read about her incredible life accomplishments and involvement with others, it’s clear that Julie continued to be an important part of so many lives.

I fondly recall the times the three of us got together, such as visiting you at you at your condo in Clarkston, the home you built in Davisburg, being part of your wedding, giving me a send-off when I moved away, and being in my wedding to Patty.

If there’s anything you need or if you want to talk, I’m here for you.

Sincerely,
Roger and Patty Siegfried
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#28 Lynne Spencer 2025-12-16 18:23
I am so saddened to hear about the loss of Julie. She was always so kind, supportive and giving as my daughters went through Chelsea schools. My heartfelt condolences to her family.
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