Julee Vermilye Zugel, 64, of Sioux City, passed away on Wednesday, May 7, 2026, at St. Luke’s Mercy Hospital.

Julee was preceded in death by her mother, Joanne Christensen Craig. She is survived by her father, Jack Vermilye; stepmother, Sally Vermilye; beloved husband, Mark Zugel; son, Adam A. Zugel (Jeanine); siblings: John G. Vermilye Jr. (Cindy), Jodie Bracken (Mark), Vicki Borgia (Paul), and Jerry Keene (Joy); grandchildren; Zachary & Nico, many cherished nieces, nephews, great-nieces & great-nephews; Eric, Dana, Lee, Jason, Christina (Brandon), Lauren, Raymond, Heather, Silas, LJ, Mason, Jaxson, Celeste & Bella, Brothers & Sisters-in-law: Joan Edgerton, Delphine Zugel, Robert Brabon, James & Beverly Zugel, Mary Hart, Anna Wheeler, & David & Jane Thomas

It is with profound sorrow and immense gratitude for a life so beautifully lived that we remember Julee Vermilye Zugel— a woman whose generosity, intuition, and compassion touched countless lives. Raised in Crete, Illinois & Allegan, Michigan, Julee earned her bachelor’s degree in business from Western Michigan University. She married the love of her life, Mark Zugel, welcomed her son, Adam, into their lives & went on to maintain 25 years with L. Perrigo Co. in Purchasing.

Julee was revered for her angelic discernment in knowing when to work tirelessly, when to celebrate extravagantly, when to protect those she loved, and when to pause long enough to truly savor life’s moments. With courage and vision, in 2011, Julee made the life-changing decision to move her young family, along with her mother Joanne, to Sioux City, Iowa, in pursuit of professional advancement and new opportunities. Julee held the position of Director Strategic Sourcing at Wells Enterprises (Blue Bunny/Ferrero) for 15 years, earning professional respect as a mentor and natural leader whose keen supervision and encouragement helped guide many throughout their careers. Highly organized and deeply intentional, Julee poured herself fully into the people she cherished most.

Personally, she built a rich and meaningful life filled with treasured friendships, strong community ties, and countless joyful memories with her son and grandchildren. She found joy in cooking, reading, boating on Lake Michigan, photography, golfing, gift-giving and remained deeply devoted to her family “back home” with daily calls & FaceTime laughs. She often hopped on a plane to attend a birthday party, holiday or special milestone. Showing up for the people she loved was one of the great joys of her life.

Julee and Mark traveled with dear friends to parts of the world she had always dreamed of seeing. Her laughter, exuberance, sense of humor, love of life & family will be missed beyond measure. Julee’s legendary Christmas celebrations, overflowing with thoughtful details, surprises, extraordinary food, laughter and abundant love are some of the greatest memories her family will cherish forever.

For every life she uplifted, her legacy lives on. In keeping with her generous spirit, Julee gave the gift of life through organ donation.

Visitation will be held Saturday, May 9, 2026, from 3:00–5:00 PM with a Celebration of Life Service at 5:00 PM at Meyer Brothers Colonial Chapel on Hamilton Boulevard in Sioux City. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to a charity of your choice in honor of Julee.

There will be a service in Allegan, Michigan at a later date.