Julie Wilder

Julie Ki-Sun Wilder, age 61, of Rochester, MN, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family on April 5th, 2024. She was born on January 20th, 1963 in Seoul, South Korea. She was adopted by her parents Clayton Arvison and Irene (Marshall) Arvison, with her twin sister Joy Evjen, on December 12th, 1968.

Julie grew up in Byron, MN, where she attended school. She was a wonderful and dedicated patient care assistant. She began her career at Assisi Heights and then became employed at the Mayo Clinic, where she enjoyed working for 20 years. She was known to be a fabulous, caring, and compassionate care giver. She was committed to going above and beyond with patients, making them feel special. She received a Mayo Clinic Individual Award for Excellence for her exceptional care. Julie is known for the funny laffy taffy jokes that she would tell her patients.

Family was everything to Julie. She was an amazing wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, daughter, and friend. She was married to the love of her life, Mark Wilder, on February, 23rd, 1991. They had two kids, Laura and Jacob Wilder. Although Julie was the best wife and mother they could ever ask for, she was also the best grandmother. Olivia Nguyen, Julie's 2 year old granddaughter, was her pride and joy. Olivia is a mini-Julie and is the light of the family. Everyone has been so blessed by Olivia's humor and kindness that she inherited from her grandma Julie. The family truly loved watching the bond between Julie and Olivia.

Julie loved spending her time playing games such as Wordle, Bingo, board and card games. Julie also loved to go on walks, travel, dance, sing her heart out to 80's music, and would occasionally play "Guess the Artist" with her husband, Mark. Julie was the light at every gathering and always knew how to make people laugh. It is clear that Julie has touched so many people with her sassy humor, silly jokes, compassion, acceptance, and the list goes on. Julie was a giver and would do anything for anyone.

Julie will be deeply missed by her husband, Mark Wilder; daughter, Laura (Khuong Nguyen) Wilder; son, Jacob Wilder; granddaughter, Olivia Nguyen; father, Clayton (Jean) Arvison; brother, Bryan (Sallie) Arvison; sister, Becki (Steve) Bjergum; twin sister, Joy (Ross) Evjen and mother-in-law, Judy Wilder. Julie is also survived by step-siblings Michelle, Patricia, Jim, and Vincent Vessey. As well as many other family members and friends who became family. She was preceded in death by her mother, Irene Gannon and father-in-law, Donald Wilder.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, April 13, 2024 at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home with visitation being held on Friday, April 12, 2024 from 4-7 PM and one hour prior to the service on Saturday. Burial will take place at the Oronoco Cemetery.

"Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." (Ephesians 4:32 NIV)

Julie was our sunshine and the life of every gathering. However, her sunshine and life does not end here. We will continue to breathe Julie's life as all who knew her will pass on her kindness and generosity to those we love. Thank you so much, Julie, for teaching us how to be better people.

"Jesus answered him, 'Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.'"(Luke 23:43 NIV)

Any memorials are suggested to Pink Aid's Pink Purse for emergency financial assistance to breast cancer patients in need or to the donor's choice.

Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Wilder family. To share a special memory or condolence, please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com