Julie Beverly Amthor (Simko) passed peacefully on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, at the age of 97 in Adrian, Michigan.
She was born on February 13, 1929, in Linwood, Michigan. Julie graduated from Bay City High School. She worked as a secretary for Woodcraft Corporation until she married the love of her life, Carl, on October 1, 1951.
Julie made a home for her family through their many moves while following her husband for his career in the Michigan State Police. Holt, Michigan was their last move which she calls home. After the children were all in school, Julie worked as a sales clerk at a local dress shop and cashier in the Holt Junior High School cafeteria. When Carl retired, he and Julie would travel to see their children. After Carl died, Julie moved to Brooklyn, Michigan to be near her children. After being diagnosed with advanced dementia, Julie moved into Lenawee Medical Care Facility in Adrian, Michigan and was so loved by the staff they considered her their Grandmother. She went home to the Lord in peace surrounded by her family and the staff.
Julie’s love and commitment to her family and faith was unwavering. A dedicated Catholic, she found great joy and peace in practicing and celebrating her religion, which she passed down through her children and grandchildren. Julie was also an incredible homemaker who ensured that her and Carl’s home was a welcoming place of rest and comfort. She will be remembered for her delicious cooking, including her legendary Hungarian chicken paprikash and Egg McAmthors, and the myriad of treats she lovingly stored in her dishwasher whenever her family came to visit. She greatly cared for those she loved, including tending to the birds and other wildlife who frequently visited her backyard. She was extremely intelligent and talented at mathematics and playing the organ in her home. She enjoyed playing games with her grandchildren and was a master at Yahtzee, Scrabble, completing word searches and crossword puzzles, and card games.
For those who knew Julie, there was no denying that she was a beloved child of God, a living testament of His love, a reflection of His light. Her heart was a home to many, and while she will be truly missed, she will live on in all of those who had the privilege to know, love, and be loved by her.
To cherish her memory, Julie leaves her children: Carla (Doug) Engle, John (Kimberly), Jim, and Mike (Tamar); five grandchildren; 10 great grandchildren; and one great-great grandchild. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 58 years, John “Carl”, her parents John and Mary Simko, and her siblings Mary, John, and Peter.
The family will receive friends for visitation at Penzien-Steele Funeral Home in Bay City, MI on Friday, April 24, 2026, from 5:00 to 7:00 pm with a Vigil Service beginning at 7:00 pm. A funeral Mass for Julie will be held at St. Anne Church – Prince of Peace Parish in Linwood, MI on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at 10:00 am. Internment will follow afterwards at St. Patrick Cemetery in Bay City.
The family requests donations be made in lieu of flowers to St. Anne Church – Prince of Peace Parish in Linwood, Michigan designated for projects, maintenance work, or Religious Education. Friends can express sympathies to the family online by visiting the tribute wall at www.brownvanhemert.com. Arrangements have been made with the guidance of the Brown-Van Hemert Funeral Home, Addison.