Julie Lynne Albright

Julie Lynne Albright was born on Sunday, February 9, 1964, to Thomas and Carole (Williams) Macfarlane in Sioux City, Iowa. She attended Bryant Elementary School, Herbert Hoover Junior High, and Sioux City North High School. As a child, Julie was active in Brownies and Girl Scouts. She loved running track, was on the swim team, and served as a wrestling cheerleader in high school.

After graduating, Julie went on to earn an Associate’s Degree in Business Administration from AIB College of Business in Des Moines. It was during her time in college that she met her first husband, Curt Van Wyk. Together they had four wonderful children—Holly, Carrie, Joel, and Janey—who were the center of Julie’s world.

Julie and Curt divorced in 1999. Later, she met and married the love of her life, Tony Albright of Sioux City. While they did not have children together, Julie and Tony lovingly raised her four children as a team.

Julie dedicated over 25 years to working in social services, ultimately serving in the Mental Health Advocacy Division of Woodbury County, Iowa. She took great pride in her work and approached her career with the strong work ethic and perfectionism that defined her.

Her greatest joy was spending time with her children and eight grandchildren. A marvelous cook, Julie loved trying new recipes and preparing large meals for family gatherings. She believed food was best when made “with love and butter.”

Julie also had a remarkable eye for fashion and interior design. She had a natural talent for coordinating colors, textures, and furnishings, often reimagining spaces based solely on a vision in her mind. Christmas was her favorite holiday, and no one could decorate for the season quite like Julie Lynne.

Julie is survived by her husband, Tony; her children: Holly Choquette (Mitch Johnson) of Sioux City, IA; Carrie (Andrew) Sitz of West Des Moines, IA; Joel (Kelsey) Van Wyk of Grimes, IA; and Janey (Danny) Beaubien of Sioux City, IA. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Aidan, Piper, and Wyatt Choquette of Sioux City, IA; Andrik, Penny, Luka, and June Sitz of West Des Moines, IA; and Abraham Van Wyk of Grimes, IA.

Julie leaves behind her father and stepmother, Thomas and Lois Macfarlane of Green Valley, AZ; her brother, Mark Macfarlane of Dakota Dunes, SD; her sister, Molly Brower (Steve) of Sioux City, IA; and her stepsister, Jody Collins Skinner (Rob) of New York, NY. Also left to cherish her memory are her beloved fur-babies: canine Louie and feline Oliver.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Carole Andrew; stepfather, George Andrew; brother, Greg Macfarlane; and stepsister, Robyn Collins.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, June 2, 2025, at Meyer Brothers Morningside Chapel (6200 Morningside Ave.) in Sioux City. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service.