Julie Ann Kaneakua

life story

Our Angel on Earth

Julie had a contagious energy and laugh. It only took a passing by, or a brief introduction to instantly fall in love with her sweet, caring, and hilarious personality. She knew no stranger, and would quite literally give you the shoes off of her feet if you needed them.

She had a sincere way of making you know just how extraordinary you were, and how each and everyone of us were a gift from god. There was no one who loved life more than her.

Julie’s Life Journey

Julie Ann Kaneakua, passed away peacefully on March 31, 2025 after a long and hard fought battle with metastasized uterine cancer. She was born April 19,1955 in North Minneapolis at Mercy Hospital, to Donald and Edna Sperry.

Julie grew up in Columbia Heights, where she attended high school and graduated class of 1973. She moved to California shortly after high school where she met her husband, Wilfred Kaneakua.

She would eventually move back home to Minnesota in the late 70’s where she began her journey in healthcare. She obtained her Nursing Assistant certification, and after giving birth to her six beloved children, decided to go to night school to obtain her nursing degree. She dedicate her entire working career to healthcare where she could care for others, her life’s passion. Julie worked as a registered nurse for many years before becoming a Health Unit Coordinator at Hennepin County Medical Center. She dedicated 30 years of service to HCMC before she retired in 2022.

Above all else, Julie was a mother. A fierce loving, compassionate mother of six who cared for her children alone after the passing of her husband in January of 2000. They were her greatest joy in life. Julie’s love for her children was truly undeniable. She was a tūtū (grandmother) to six beautiful grandchildren whom she showered with the same love.

Julie is survived by her sisters Donna Ashley and Dawnellen Meyers; son Christopher (Kimberly); son Justin; daughter Samantha (Emily); daughter Melissa; daughter Jessica (Ambrose). Also survived by her beloved grandchildren Caleb, Avery, Samuel, Aukahi, Kawelolani, and Sonny Kaneakua.

Julie is preceded in death by her devoted husband Wilfred (Chuchu) Kaneakua; beloved son Joshua Kaneakua; and parents Donald and Edna Sperry.

memorial service

Memorial Service

April 18, 2025

Lakewood Cemetery 3600 Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55408, USA

Visitation will be held at Lakewood Cemetary in Minneapolis April 18, 2025 from 1-2pm, followed by the memorial service from 2-3pm.

We will be holding a celebration of life/ birthday party the following day, April 19, 2025 at 5pm at the American Swedish Institute 2600 Park Ave S Minneapolis, MN 55407. We encourage friends and family of our beloved mother Julie to attend and show your support by wearing Minnesota Vikings gear or colors. As most of us know, she was a die hard Vikes fan💜💛. Light refreshments will be provided.

If you would like to send flowers/cards you can send them to 7924 Xerxes Ct N Minneapolis, MN 55444 (home of daughter Samantha)

Funeral/Cremation Provider: Crescent Tide Cremation Services