Kenny Julius

Kenny Julius was born on May 7, 1941, to Frank and Mayola (Cassens) Julius in George, Iowa. He attended grade school in Rock Rapids, Iowa before moving with his family to Parkers Prairie, Minnesota where they lived for four years before settling in Lake Wilson, Minnesota. Kenny attended Lake Wilson High School through the 10th grade and then began farming alongside his father.

In 1959, Kenny moved to California, where he worked in construction until 1962. He then returned to Pipestone, Minnesota. On July 20, 1962, he married Marilyn Jess, and they were blessed with two children. The couple later divorced. In 1983, Kenny met Diane Van Hoof in Buckley, Washington, and they were married on March 17, 1984, in Pipestone.

Kenny began his trucking career in 1972 with All American and later became the owner and operator of Julius Distributing. He ran the business until 2006, when he sold it and went to work for JFI. He continued driving for JFI for 15 years until his retirement in 2021. Kenny was very proud of logging more than seven million miles doing what he loved.

Kenny's favorite hobby was riding motorcycles-he bought his first of many in 1977. Over the years, he and Diane traveled across many states, enjoying the sights and making memories with great friends. He was also passionate about sprint car racing and was a devoted NASCAR fan. In his younger years, he was a member of the pit crew for Bill Weinkauf, and later he enjoyed attending many NASCAR races with his son, Ryan, and numerous "racing buddies."

In retirement, Kenny thoroughly enjoyed spending more time with Diane and having coffee with his friends. He took pride in what many people in town referred to as one of the most immaculately groomed corner lots in town.

Kenny passed away on Thursday, October 30, 2025, at the Good Samaritan Society of Pipestone at the age of 84.

He is survived by his wife, Diane, of Pipestone; two children, Robyn Vos and Ryan (Kim) Julius; stepdaughter, Terry (Tom) Spencer; three grandchildren, Brian (Amanda) Lopau, Bobbie (Brian) Lensing, and Charlie (Jason) Vos; step-grandchildren, Katie Spencer, Molly Montgomery, Sarah Clark, and Andrew Van Hoof; many great-grandchildren; siblings, Marilyn (Harry) Brands, Dort (Doug) Atkins, and Don Julius; and many loving friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Mayola Julius; sister, Brenda Julius; sister-in-law, Sharon Julius; and stepson, Jeffrey Van Hoof.