Julie DuVal

Julie Kay (Rhoades) DuVal, lifelong educator, beloved friend and devoted follower of Christ passed away at her home in Logan, Iowa on September 24, 2024, at the age of 54.

 Born in Omaha, Nebraska on April 19, 1970, to D.G. and Peggy Rhoades, Julie attended Crescent Elementary, Kirn Junior High School, and Abraham Lincoln High School before continuing her studies at Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa. At Wartburg, Julie’s love for mathematics and education grew and she graduated with majors in mathematics education and mathematics with a minor in coaching. 

 Mrs. DuVal taught for 31 years in the math departments at Kirn Junior High School, Ellsworth Public Schools, Hartley-Melvin-Sandborn, and Harlan Community High School and will be remembered by countless colleagues and students as a caring influence whose curiosity and desire for others to succeed shined bright. Many others will fondly recall her famous homecoming dress-up day outfits and elaborate storytelling.

 Julie enjoyed mechanics and working with her dad, spending many hours in the shop together throughout her childhood. She was especially proud of the 1967 Ford Mustang they restored in her late teens. She was also known for her passionate and competitive edge that served her well participating in volleyball, basketball, tennis and many other sports. 

 In 1990, Julie met Dale Lenard DuVal at her summer job. Struck by his exceptional listening skills, generosity, and brand new pickup truck, the two played one-on-one basketball and the rest was history. They shared a love for the outdoors, tinkering on tractors, sports, and playing cards. Julie and Dale were married on the sweltering 25th of June in 1994 and welcomed their daughters, Katie Ann on July 19, 1996 and Jessica Michelle on October 11, 1997. 

 Julie and Dale spent many hours building their home from the ground up on their land in Harrison County and providing numerous opportunities for the girls to participate in extracurricular activities.

 In 2011, Julie came to know the Lord as her savior through the faithful invitation of several friends. Julie attended First Baptist Church of Harlan for many years, and spent time helping with youth summer camps, running slides, and befriending elders in the church.

 In August of 2016, Julie was diagnosed with Mantle Cell Lymphoma. Throughout her many years of treatment, Julie was a light to her doctors, nurses, and many who followed along with her story. She frequently thought of others, baking pies for her doctors, or asking questions to her nurses about what was going on in their lives, even when she was facing some of the toughest days of her diagnosis. Those close to her were encouraged daily by her faith and courage throughout her time with this disease.

 Julie is preceded in death by her grandparents, Charles and Pearl Rhoades and Fred and E. Lois Petersen, and her half-brothers, Mickey (Kathy) Rhoades and Charles Rhoades. 

 Julie is survived by her husband, Dale DuVal; her daughters, Katie DuVal (Douglas) Mihelich and Jessica (Cameron) McWilliams; parents, Donald “D.G.” and Margaret “Peggy” Rhoades; sister, Amy (Dwayne) Brown; stepbrother, James Rhoades; and sister-in-law, Loretta Rhoades.

 Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and family will greet friends from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 3, 2024, at the First Baptist Church in Harlan. Her Celebration of Life Service will take place at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, October 5, 2024, also at the First Baptist Church in Harlan. Her burial will take place privately with her family in the Jordan Township Cemetery near Soldier. 

 Instead of gifting flowers, Julie requested that you spread love and joy by telling your loved ones what they mean to you, engaging in a random act of kindness or a by making a memorial tribute to: Hope Lodge - Omaha, First Baptist Church - Harlan, or Shelby County Iowa - Relay for Life.

 Julie's Celebration of Life Service will be live streamed to the First Baptist Church Facebook page

 www.facebook.com/firstbaptistharlan