Julie Marie Anthon died on Oct. 3, 2026, after a battle with behavioral-variant frontotemporal dementia. She was a devoted wife, loving mother, passionate professional, quiet observer, and, every now and then, a pretty terrific prankster.

Julie graduated from Freeport High School in 1988 and went on to Illinois State University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology in 1992, followed by a master’s degree in psychology. In 2000, she began her career with the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS), where she remained until 2022. Julie started as a caseworker before moving into the clinical division, where she became an Integrated Assessment Coordinator. She truly loved her work and was deeply committed to helping children and families. She was a passionate advocate for children’s and women’s rights, and she cared deeply about making a difference in the lives of the people she served.

But Julie’s most important job was being a mom and wife.

She was the kind of mother who packed lunch boxes, made muffins, baked desserts and created funfetti cakes simply because they made her kids happy. She took everyone to appointments, kept track of the details, and made sure there was always time for the fun stuff, too—Legoland, Chuck E. Cheese, and the occasional very important trip to Sonic. She loved being there for her family, whether the activity was a big adventure or just an ordinary day together.

Julie was a quiet observer. She listened more than she talked, and she genuinely loved learning about other people and hearing their stories. She could be reserved, but those who knew her well knew she had a wicked sense of humor with a mischievous side.

Julie had great style and loved going to the salon. She took pride in looking put together and was always sporting a sassy haircut.

Of all the things Julie enjoyed, though, nothing compared to being with her family. Some of her happiest moments were the simplest ones: sitting around the table, talking and laughing with Michael, Wally, and Joe, with a nice glass of white wine nearby. Those everyday moments—full of conversation, family stories, and laughter—were the moments she treasured most.

In 2020, Julie began to behave in ways that were unusual for her and understandably concerning to her family. In 2024, she was formally diagnosed with behavioral-variant frontotemporal dementia (FTD), a rare disease that can profoundly affect behavior, personality, relationships, and everyday functioning. In 2023, Julie moved into a skilled care facility, where she remained until her death.

Her diagnosis was devastating to her family, who watched someone they loved deeply face a disease that changed so much of her life.

Julie will be deeply missed by everyone who loved her. Her family will remember her not for the years taken from her by illness, but for the many happy years she gave them.

Julie was preceded in death by her parents, Regina and Bob Schulz.

She is survived by her husband, Michael, and her two children, Wally and Joe; her brothers, John and Jeremy Schulz; and her sisters, Cindy Bohme and Daphne Bone.

A receiving of friends will be held on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026, from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Fitzgerald Funeral Home, 1860 S. Mulford Rd., Rockford, Illinois. A reception will follow from 4 to 6 p.m. at the home of Michael Anthon, 226 Logan St., Rockford, Illinois.