Julie Wiebenga

Clear Lake-Julie Jo Wiebenga (formerly Zirbel, Kramer & Reimer) 77, passed away peacefully at home on Monday, April 13, 2026, surrounded by loved ones. 

A visitation will be held Tuesday, April 21, 2026, from 5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m., at Ward Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, 310 First Ave. North, Clear Lake, Iowa 50428. A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, with Pastor Will Hunsaker officiating; at Ward Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, 310 First Ave. North, Clear Lake, Iowa 50428. Burial will follow in Clear Lake Cemetery, Clear Lake, Iowa. In Lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to St. Croix Hospice in Julie’s memory.

Julie was born January 9, 1949, in Mason City, the daughter of Max and Lena Zirbel. She graduated from Clear Lake High School and continued her education at Cosmetology School. Julie held a Cosmetology license for 58 years, owning and operating the Hair Shanty until her retirement and turned over the responsibilities to her daughter Cali. She loved her work, and the Lord knew it. She was always willing to help others, and chat with each of her unique clients and friends throughout the community. Julie always had a positive spirit. Her gift of laughter and love guided her beautiful life and made everyone she touched better than they were before. She also had a rich love for music and dancing, and she could outlast about anyone Jitterbugging at the Buddy Holly Winter Dance Parties. In her high school years, she was surprised to be voted as “Miss Merry Christmas”. She said Santa (Verna Ouverson’s father) was such a lovable man. The farmers around Clear Lake also voted her Miss National Farmer Organizer (NFO) Queen and Soil Conservation Queen around 1966. On May 28th, 2005, Julie was married to Clancy Wiebenga in Clear Lake, they enjoyed many years together. Julie was blessed to have Arvid in her life for the last seven years.

Julie’s first love was always family. God answered her prayers wanting a family by providing her first child, Cali, and her second, Jesse. Julie is survived by her fiancé, Arvid Matson of Clear Lake, IA; daughter Cali (Kramer) Klooster and her husband Spencer, of Garner, IA; her son, Jesse and his wife Sarah Reimer of Ridgedale, MO; her two grandsons, Jordan and Logan Klooster of Garner, IA.

Julie is preceded in death by her parents, Max and Lena (Peyton) Zirbel, grandparents Charlie and Carrie Zirbel and Dominico and Spinalba Nardicchio, husband Clarence “Clancy” Wiebenga; Aunts and Uncles Frankie, Ada Zirbel and their son Wilbur, Raymond and Lola Mae Zirbel and their two sons Charlie (living) and Teri Zirbel (deceased), Jerry (Sandy) Zirbel, Josephine (Pip) and Vernon Ellefson Sr., Mary and Gail Lamb, Florence Dewey and daughter Linda Faught (deceased) and Bill Dewey (living), Joe (Helen) Nardicchio and their daughter Nancy Jo (Don) Saul (living), and Paulina Nardicchio (deceased). Julie also had three brothers, Roger, Jay and Michael Zirbel (all deceased), and their living children Rich Zirbel and family and Domenie (Jeff) LaGue (Roger’s kids), Scott (Ashley) Zirbel (Jay’s son). Julie was also very close to her stepchildren, John Reimer (Sue Olberding), Jack Reimer (Kandee Bartholomew) – (all living). Julie also had many loved extended family and friends.

Julie said her greatest reward in life (thanks to her loving God) were here wonderful family and devoted friends that remained by her side until the end, as well as the wonderful people she’s worked with. God gave her enough time to raise her children and watch her grandchildren grow up. She also was very thankful for her doctors, nurses, and hospice providers at St. Croix that watched over during her final days. Julie’s final wishes were to say…”Until we meet again. Love to All”.