- Born on: February 7, 1953
- Departed on: September 24, 2026
- Resided in: Cedar Rapids, IA
Julie Lynn Praegitzer
Julie Lynn Praegitzer, age 73, passed away on September 24, 2026, after a long battle with Parkinsons.
Julie was born on February 7, 1953, in Marshalltown, Iowa, to Richard and Willa Tucker. She spent her early years in West Des Moines, Iowa and later moved to Stockton, California. She graduated from Lincoln High School in Stockton, earned a BA from Humboldt State University, and a master’s degree from University of California Davis.
Julie married Gary Praegitzer on December 17, 1989, in Stockton. They were happily married for nearly 25 years, until Gary passed in 2014. Julie loved Gary’s morning lattes and missed them dearly. Julie was very devoted to her family. Her children, Sam and Anna, were the light of her life. She was always so proud of their accomplishments, and the amazing young adults they have become.
Even though Julie lived a large portion of her life in California, she was over the moon ecstatic when her family moved back to Iowa in 2008. She loved the beauty of the changing seasons, the backyard wildlife, and especially her Cedar Rapids neighborhood and neighbors.
She had a love for knowledge and adventure. When she was 60, she started taking bookkeeping classes at Kirkwood “just for fun.” She loved books and her St. Pius Book Club. She lived in Hawaii, Oregon, Alaska and Wyoming – but Iowa has always had her heart. She enjoyed the people, the outdoors, the clouds, and watching the sun rise and set.
Julie is survived by her loving kids, Anna Praegitzer and Sammuel Praegitzer, both of Cedar Rapids; siblings Laurie (Dickie) Gaskell, of Maui HI and Steve (Joanie) Tucker, of Fresno, CA; in-laws Don and Barbara Praegitzer, of Stockton, CA, and Kenneth and Sally Praegitzer, of Acampo, CA; and her lifelong friend, Lynn Maternach.
Julie was preceded in death by her husband, Gary Praegitzer; her parents Richard and Willa Tucker; and in-laws Thomas and Suzi Praegitzer.
For those who want to pay their respects to the family, a Celebration of Life will be held Thursday, October 8 from 4 to 7 pm at Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home.
