BOMBER MEMORIAL

JULIE ELLEN GUSTAVSON NEBEL ~ Class of 1966
June 3, 1948 - June 28, 2026



Julie Ellen (Gustavson) Nebel died peacefully in Wenatchee, Washington, on June 28, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

She was born on June 3, 1948, in Boise, Idaho, to Donald Roy Gustavson and Mary Euphemia (Purton) Gustavson.

She grew up in Richland, Washington, graduating from Columbia High School in 1966, where she was the student body secretary and was involved in Job's Daughters International, the pep club, drill team, and Girl's League. She moved to Seattle and paid her way through the University of Washington's school of nursing, graduating in 1970.

It was at one of Julie's college jobs where she met the love of her life: a kind and funny naval officer named John Nebel. The couple married in Richland in June, 1970, and their relationship flourished. They lived in the Seattle area for several years and moved to Wenatchee in 1981 where they put down roots and raised their six children.

Julie embodied quiet strength, a generous spirit, and an essence of practicality. Her life reflected her values of family, faith, and service to others. She nurtured her family and always ensured that they had what they needed to thrive. Julie and John shared a deep commitment to environmental and social justice. Her impact on children and families came through her roles as a Boy Scouts den mother, childbirth coach, and leader of Marriage Encounter retreats. She volunteered with the Society of St. Vincent de Paul and her local food bank, delivered Meals on Wheels, worked with Packing Friendship, was involved in P.E.O., and was a JustFaith program leader. Julie's faith in God and dedication to spirituality and prayer guided her daily actions, her deep empathy for others, and her belief in the dignity of every person.

She opened her heart and lively home to family and friends, becoming a second mother to many. Favorite memories include road trips with "extra" kids and camping adventures. Julie was an avid gardener and found joy hiking and biking with her family outdoors. She was always preparing something in the kitchen, with a steady supply of homemade bread and chocolate chip cookies for her grandchildren and anyone else who came through the door. Julie was also a skilled seamstress and loved the arts of quilting and knitting. She helped others find joy and meaning in simple things.

Julie faced health challenges in her final years with remarkable strength, grace, and determination. She lived with intention, purpose, and an open heart through her final moments; she always trusted in the Lord's plan for her. Julie will be dearly missed, and her legacy will live on through the lives of many.

Julie was preceded in death by her beloved husband, John Nebel; her parents, Don Gustavson and Mary Gustavson; her sister, Martha Gustavson ('65); her brother-in-law, Frederick Nebel; her niece, Michelle Chappelear; her father-in-law, H. Frederick Nebel; and her mother-in-law, Mary Elizabeth "Libby" Nebel.

She is survived by her children: Amy Fernandes (Ray), Mary Gamache (Matt), Lisa Martinez (Sergio), Tom Nebel (Liesl), Dan Nebel, and Jack Nebel (Jodi); grandchildren: Miguel, Luca, and Talia Fernandes, Matias and Farrah Gamache, Xavier and Bella Martinez, Betta, Winston, and Theo Nebel, Melanie Vargas, and Penny and Juliet Nebel; siblings Fred "Gus" Gustavson ('61) (Lynn), Julian Gustavson ('68), Bob Gustavson ('70) (Donna), and Mary DeCesare ('72) (Mike); and many cousins, siblings-in-law, nieces and nephews.

Julie received compassionate care from the wonderful people at Confluence Health, to whom her family are grateful. A funeral mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 16, 2026 at St. Joseph Church located at 625 S. Elliott Avenue in Wenatchee.

Arrangements are by Jones & Jones-Betts Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that a donation be made to Doctors Without Borders or St. Joseph Catholic School (c/o St. Joseph Church, 625 S. Elliot Avenue, Wenatchee).

Please express your thoughts and memories in the Jones & Jones-Betts Online Guest Book.

Bomber Memorial put together by Shirley COLLINGS Haskins ('66).