Julia A. VanZuiden

Julia A. VanZuiden, 35, of Atkinson was tragically killed early Tuesday, December 5, 2023, in a single-car accident on Route 6 east of Geneseo.  Cremation rites have been accorded and a memorial visitation will be held from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 12, 2023, at Vandemore Funeral Homes & Crematory – Atkinson Chapel.  Memorials may be directed to https://www.gofundme.com/f/julia-birman-memorial.  The money raised will be put into a memorial account which will assist her children; Ethan, Elliott, and Alice.

Julia was born April 28, 1988, the daughter of Kenneth VanZuiden and Julie (Andrews) Thompson. She graduated from Annawan High School. Julia was a beautiful person inside and out. She had such a big, vibrant, down-to-earth personality and an even bigger heart. Julia had a fiery spark in her that lit up the entire room. She touched every person that ever crossed her path. Julia lived in the moment and made every second count, whether she was spending time with her kids, family, and friends or tackling her next project. There was nothing that she couldn’t do. She loved kayaking, cooking and lots of eating, especially tacos! Crafting was a big hobby she had, and the more sparkles and bling the better. Julia also adored her numerous fur babies. She was employed as a bookkeeper at Central Bank of Illinois for four years, where she fit in perfectly with her coworkers. Julia was described as the glue that held her family together and will be greatly missed by all that have met her over the years.

Those left to cherish her memory include her parents; Kenneth VanZuiden of Atkinson, and Julie (Corlin) Thompson of Annawan; children, Ethan Specht, Elliott Birman, and Alice Birman; siblings, Samantha (David) Fjeld of Kewanee, Kenny VanZuiden of Atkinson, Spencer Thompson of Annawan, and Chantelle Austin of Tipton, IA; grandparents, Wayne Thielen, Alice Ponce, Mary Thompson, and Linda Jagers; and several aunts and uncles.