Julia Frances Pisk Hlebichuk

Julia Frances Pisk was born in Glendive on Jan. 6, 1931, and died in Billings on Sept. 1, 2019. She was the daughter of Anna Latka and Jan "John" Pisk, Austrian and Polish emigrants. She has three siblings, Stanley, Anthony and Leona. Their mother died at age 28, leaving their father to care for four young children. It was not possible for him provide them with the care they needed, as he spent much time in the Veterans' Hospital due to illness related to his military service during World War I. He died at the Veterans' Hospital in Sheridan, Wyoming, at age 62. The children lived with relatives and in foster care in the Glendive area, including grandparents, aunts and uncles and other caring families, primarily with her uncle and aunt, Tony and Rose Latka, along with their eight children, in Glendive.

Julie, as she preferred to be called, went to schools in Dawson County: Upper Cracker Box (rural) Washington, Lincoln, Sacred Heart Catholic School, Dawson County High School, and graduated in 1950.

She worked at the Northern Pacific Hospital as an aide and then for Montana Dakota Utilities. She and Steve both worked for MDU. They were married in Glendive on July 12, 1952, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Julie and Steve welcomed two beautiful daughters, Stephanie and Leah. Her daughters have fond memories of their mother taking them swimming at the pool and special treats or lunch from Dairy Queen, A&W or Balcer's In and Out!

Julie and Steve moved to Billings in 1990 where she was an active member at St. Pius X Catholic Church. She loved hopping in the car and taking a spin ... to anywhere! She enjoyed reading on the Rims overlooking the city and people watching in area parking lots. She just loved being out and about, taking in the sights and sounds of the world around her. She celebrated the Christmas season with gusto and was a great decorator during the holidays.

She is survived by her daughter, Stephanie (Vance) Todd of Denton and their two sons, Evan and Collin (Evan and Mallory Boich have a son, Carter Todd); and Leah (Justin) Redmond of Huntley, and their two children Stephen and Shilo; one sister, Leona Johnston of Billings; and many special nieces, nephews, cousins and wonderful friends.

Her husband Steve preceded her in death in 2016. She is also preceded in death by her brothers Stan and Tony.

Julia would like to thank all those who took care of her and she thanks God for His everlasting care.

Cremation has taken place. Memorial Mass will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Sept. 13, at St. Pius X Catholic Church, 717 18th St. West. Burial of cremated remains will follow at Calvary Cemetery. Memorials may be made to TenderNest, St. Pius Church or charity of one's choice.