Julie Jean Spratt

Julie Jean "Olander" Spratt passed away peacefully on July 26, 2026, at the University of Iowa Hospital, surrounded by the love of her family. She was 67 years old.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Fraternal Order of Eagles, 6567 Bloomfield Rd., Des Moines, IA 50320, on August 8, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. for guests and friends. The family will gather at 2:00 p.m. Please give them consideration during this time.

Julie was born on July 3, 1959, in Norwalk, Iowa, to her mother, Opal Jean "Headrick" Smith. She graduated from Norwalk High School, where she excelled in softball and cheerleading. Growing up in Norwalk, Julie formed countless lifelong friendships that she cherished throughout her life.

Throughout her life, Julie held many jobs, from working in insurance to running a home daycare and bartending, but her favorite job was working as a stagehand for concerts and events in the Des Moines area.

Julie had three children: Danielle Houghton, Michelle (Tony) Alexander, and Jonathan (Kristin) Houghton. Julie has many grandchildren. Laci, Rajana, Emma, Ryder, Lucy, Elijah (on the way), Jackson and Amaley.

Julie also had two stepsons through her marriage to Jim, Cliff (Lisa) and Jimmy Spratt. And gained 2 more grandchildren Ashlynn and Conner.

Julie loved her family unconditionally and cherished them more than anybody could imagine, and they loved her just as fiercely in return. Her husband, children, grandchildren, and growing family were the greatest source of pride and joy in her life. She loved them with her whole heart and never apologized for how deeply she loved them.

Julie is also survived by her brother, Dan Olander, and his wife, Sally, along with their children, Josh, Jeremy, and Jesse. She is also survived by her sister, Sue Olander, whose sons, Scott (Tanya) Smith and Tyler (Andrea) Smith meant the world to Julie, and she meant the world to them. Whenever they all got together, look out-fun was guaranteed!

Julie was preceded in death by her beloved mother, Opal Smith.

In 2013, Julie reconnected with her husband, Jim Spratt, after 38 years apart. Jim had been her first boyfriend and first love. They spent the next 13 years having adventures together and living in numerous states-Jim was never one to let moss grow under his feet. Life took them to Florida, Tennessee, and Arizona, where she made many more dear friends along the way. No matter where she lived, Iowa always held a special place in her heart, and she was grateful to eventually make her way back home.

Julie was always a delight. Her smile and laugh could light up any room. That is, after her friends finally taught her to actually make a sound when she laughed! Once she got it down, it was unmistakable. She was the kind of person who could make people laugh without even trying. She had a fun-loving spirit, a contagious sense of humor, and never missed an opportunity to enjoy life. Everywhere Julie went, no matter how long she stayed, she made a new best friend. Everybody loved her.

The Iowa State Fair held a special place in Julie's heart from the time she was a little girl. Growing up, camping at the fair with her family became a cherished tradition that stayed with her throughout her life. Every visit included one non-negotiable stop-a corndog. It simply wasn't the Iowa State Fair without one. Whether she was enjoying the food, listening to music, people-watching, or simply making memories with the people she loved, the fair remained one of her happiest places.

One of Julie's favorite traditions was her annual weekend getaway with her lifelong friends, The Cabin Girls, at Holiday Lake. For decades, they would converge at the cabin for a weekend under two simple rules: NO MEN ALLOWED and a vow of silence-what happened at the lake stayed at the lake!

Julie leaves behind a lifetime of laughter, adventures, friendships, and unconditional love. Though her presence will be deeply missed, the stories she gave us, the smiles she inspired, and the love she poured into her family will continue to live on in the hearts of everyone who knew and loved her.

Julie left us all with one more little surprise, a card in her wallet with these words: FORGET ME NOT Don't remember me with sadness, don't remember me with tears, remember all the laughter we've shared throughout the years, Now I am contented that my life was worth while knowing that I passed along the way I made someone smile. When you are walking down the street and you've got me on your mind, I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind. So please don't be unhappy just because I'm out of sight, remember that I'm with you, each morning, noon and night.

She will be forever loved, deeply missed, and never forgotten.