Julie A. (Josephson) Dimel

Julie Ann (Josephson) Dimel, age 57, received her heavenly wings on Sunday, January 25, 2026, at the University of Iowa Medical Center due to complications following a lengthy illness. She was surrounded by family and love as she peacefully passed into the arms of God, where she now shines the same bright light she shared so freely with all who knew her.

Julie was born to Duane and Nancy Josephson on December 8, 1968, in New Hampton, Iowa. She joined two sisters and a brother, and in the years that followed helped welcome another sister and brother to the lively Josephson family. The six kids were extremely busy with activities and athletic schedules, so their house was chaotic at times. But through all of the chaos, a precious bond formed amongst the kids and their parents. That strong family bond of deep love and support still exists today.

Julie attended New Hampton Community Schools and graduated from New Hampton High School in 1987. She inherited her father’s athletic ability and excelled in volleyball, basketball, and track. From her mother, she inherited her deep love for horses. As a young girl she would race her ponies around the yard and practice in the arena they built on their property.  As she grew up, she went on to show her horses and horses for others in the highly competitive NEISCA show circuit. Through these years she developed life long friendships with many of her “horse” families. Those friends remained very dear to her.

She continued her education at Luther College in Decorah, Iowa, before transferring to and graduating from the University of Wyoming in Laramie, Wyoming. After college, Julie pursued her passion for working with horses. She thrived in lively environments and fondly remembered her time bartending at some of Laramie’s most well-known watering holes.

During this chapter of her life and from her first marriage (Tommy Thompson), Julie gave birth to her beloved daughter, Josey. Julie and her JoJo shared an extraordinarily close bond. Josey followed in her mother’s footsteps with a passion for horses, and Julie treasured afternoons at riding lessons and weekends spent traveling to competitions. She was a devoted and doting mother who would do anything to ensure her daughter felt deeply loved and supported.

In 1997, Julie met her soulmate and the absolute love of each other’s lives, Dana Dimel. Dana was serving as head coach for Wyoming football at the time. Their beautiful marriage spanned more than 25 beautiful years. Anyone who encountered them could see the genuine love they shared. Their devotion to one another was infectious and extended warmly to family and friends alike. When Dana passed unexpectedly in 2024, Julie lost half her heart. Now, they are reunited in heaven.

Through her marriage to Dana she gained a step-son, Winston Dimel. Julie lovingly welcomed him into her heart as her own, proudly watching him grow, supporting his athletic pursuits, and standing steadfastly beside him through all of life’s moments.

Julie embodied the role of a football coach’s wife. She and Dana lived a whirlwind life with Dana’s coaching stints at the University of Wyoming, University of Houston, Kansas State University, University of Arizona, University of Texas at El Paso and finally at the University of Illinois.  She cared deeply about the people around her and ensured others felt supported through the highs and lows of being football coaches’ family. Her kindness fostered lasting friendships within every community she touched, and her radiant smile will never be forgotten. Julie’s legacy is one of generosity, deep devotion to her family, and compassion for both people and animals. Julie always saw the good in people and always led with trust. Julie’s motto was “Be Kind”, and she lived those words whole-heartedly.

Our “Juju” will be profoundly missed and forever remembered by all who were fortunate enough to know her.

Julie is survived by her daughter, Josey Stoneburner (DJ); stepson Winston Dimel; her mother, Nancy Josephson; sisters Terri Josephson, Suzi Whitman, and Krissi Josephson; brothers Jeff Josephson and Jon Josephson (Staci Vrzak); nieces and nephews Jackie Willms (Payden), Rachel Whitman (Evan Dammann), Kam Josephson, Brenna Flattum, and Lane Flattum; great-nephews Creo Willms and Warren Willms; Aunt Vikie Norris; cousins Laura Norris, Jim Norris, Kelley Hartwig (Randy), Shelley Reif (Lloyd), Mike Greenland, and Karen Yorgensen (Cal); and her beloved extended “Ohio and Myrtle Beach” family through her marriage to Dana.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Dana Dimel; her father, Duane Josephson; grandparents Clyde and Lucile Freeman and Carl and Lucile Josephson; parents-in-law John and Joann Dimel; and Dana’s siblings Leslie Route, Johnny Casbarra, Jessica Riegle, and Matt Dimel.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, May 8, 2026, at the New Hampton Country Club in New Hampton, Iowa. A brief service will begin at 2:00 p.m., followed by a time to greet the family, share memories of Julie, and celebrate the blessing of having her in our lives.

Memorials may be directed to the family and will be distributed to various pet and animal organizations in honor of Julie’s deep love for all four-legged furry friends.