Julie A. Lofberg

To watch a recording of the service, please use the link: https://youtu.be/wbxlE7OU2xE 

Julie Ann Lofberg, age 71, of Grand Forks, North Dakota, passed away Friday, August 22, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family at her home after a nine month battle with stage IV pancreatic cancer. Julie touched the hearts of everyone who knew her with her kindness, warmth, and unwavering love. She will be deeply missed, but her spirit and the memories she created with her family and friends will live on forever.

Memorial services will be held 2:00 p.m., Friday, August 29, 2025, at Freedom Church in Grand Forks, North Dakota, with Pastor Nathan Johnson officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials or plants are preferred.

Julie Ann Behnkie was born on May 5, 1954, in Great Falls, Montana. She grew up in the Midwest region. Later, she attended Chamberlain Boarding School, where she was first baptized into the Christian faith. God remained an important part of her life, and on March 2, 2025, while bravely facing her journey with pancreatic cancer, Julie reaffirmed that faith by being re-baptized by her son, Jeffrey Hendrickson, in Grand Forks, North Dakota.

In 1970, Julie married Ricky Hendrickson, and together they were blessed with three children. They built their home and raised their family in Oslo, Minnesota, and later in Texas. After their separation, Julie found love again with Merlin Lofberg, and in 1988, they were married. Their marriage was blessed with two children, and in 1990, Julie reunited her children in Grand Forks, North Dakota, where she raised her family with love and strength.

Julie dedicated 26 years of her life to Valley Senior Living, where she worked in environmental services. Her hard work, kindness, and compassion touched the lives of so many. Beyond her work, Julie’s greatest joy was her family. She loved making memories, whether it was traveling to new places, with her final trip being a memorable journey to Alaska, or simply gathering at home for holidays filled with laughter, card games, and traditions. She loved cheering on the Minnesota Vikings, listening to country music, and especially had a lifelong admiration for Elvis Presley.

Julie’s strength and heart of gold will leave behind a legacy that will never be forgotten. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

She is survived by her children, Patrick (Jeni Johnson) Hendrickson of Oslo, MN; Kerrie (Stan) Peltier of Oslo, MN; Jeffrey (Cary-Sue) Hendrickson of Overland Park, KS; Shannon (Jason) Shomo of Argyle, TX; and Shane (Taylor Falcon) Lofberg of Grand Forks, ND; grandchildren, Skyler, Stanley, Kiana, and Kaitlyn Peltier, Jacob and Joshua Hendrickson, BreighAnna (Steven) Widman, Cassidy, Kennedi, and Candace Shomo, Mackenzie Aspen, Dominic and Isaac Lofberg, and Kyran Moen; great-grandchildren, Sylvia, Shadow, Evelynn, and Jensen; her sister, Gloria Behnkie of East Grand Forks, MN; and many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends who loved her dearly.

Julie was welcomed into eternal life by her parents, William and Rosella Behnkie; brothers, Louis, Roger, Billy, and Robert Behnkie; sister, Diane Smith; grandson, Mason Moen; and her former husband, Ricky Hendrickson.