Julie Crystal Botnan

Julie Botnan, known to so many as “Julie Jewels,” passed away on September 29, 2026, at the age of 57, leaving behind a lifetime of love, laughter, memories, and a spirit that could never be mistaken for anyone else's.

Born on November 12, 1968, Julie was the beloved daughter of Linda Ballard and Michael Botnan and their only child. She made her home in Buffalo, Minnesota, a place she came to love and proudly called home.

She described herself as “witchy, wise, and an empath to the nth degree,” and those who knew her would probably agree that there was simply no way to put Julie into an ordinary box. She was spiritual, compassionate, fiercely herself, funny, loving, and full of life. Julie had a young spirit that never seemed to match the number of candles on her birthday cake. At 56, she wrote that she still didn't feel 56 because her mind and spirit were still so young. That youthful spirit remained a defining part of who she was.

She had a deep appreciation for music and could go from R&B and beautiful ballads to rock and heavy metal without missing a beat. Music soothed her soul and was one of her favorite ways to connect with the world. She also loved beautiful weather, spectacular sunsets, and the comfort of being home.

And then there was Mika Mi, her cat A.K.A. Baby Kittys and “familiar,” who held a very special place in Julie's heart. But above everything else, family was Julie's greatest love. She was the proud mother of Jennifer Botnan and James Leeder-Botnan, and the cherished grandmother of Donshamear Fisher, Jr., Rose Leeder, and Bailey Leeder. Her grandchildren were her world, and she spoke with immense pride about her children and grandchildren and the lives they had built.

Julie spent part of her professional life caring for others as a Registered Nurse (RN). Helping people was a natural extension of the compassion she carried throughout her life. Later, her journey led her into work as a Certified Crystal and Chakra Healer and Reiki Healer, where she continued exploring ways to bring healing, comfort, and connection to others.

One of the things that excited Julie most in her later years was becoming an ordained minister. She was thrilled by the possibilities that came with being able to officiate weddings, funerals, and baptisms and to be present for some of life's most meaningful moments.

Julie understood that life wasn't always easy. She faced her share of challenges, but she continued to look for beauty, meaning, connection, and happiness wherever she could find them. She believed in accepting life as it comes and moving forward without apology for being exactly who you are.

In one of her final reflections, Julie wrote:

“I have accepted life on life's terms, and I am who I am!”

She encouraged those around her to embrace life, own who they are, and go forward without reservation.

To know Julie was to know someone who felt deeply, loved fiercely, and lived authentically. She could make you laugh, make you think, make you feel understood, or simply make you wonder what she would say next. She wasn't interested in being ordinary, and thankfully, she never was.

Julie leaves behind her children, Jennifer Botnan and James Leeder-Botnan; grandchildren, Donshamear Fisher, Jr., Rose Leeder, and Bailey Leeder; her parents, Linda Ballard and Michael Botnan; her beloved Mika Mi; extended family; and countless friends and loved ones whose lives were touched by hers.

Julie would probably want us to remember that although life can be messy, complicated, beautiful, heartbreaking, hilarious, and unexpected, there is still so much to embrace. So let us celebrate Julie, not simply mourn her.

Celebrate the music she loved.

Celebrate the sunsets she admired.

Celebrate her wild and wonderful spirit.

Celebrate her compassion and her ability to love deeply.

Celebrate her humor, her individuality, and her beautiful heart.

And when you hear a song that makes you think of her, turn it up.

Julie once wrote:

“There are really so many possibilities, positive experiences, and happiness in life. Embrace it, own who you are, and go forward without reservation!”

That is Julie Jewels. Forever loved. Forever remembered. Forever one of a kind.

Celebration of Life to be held Friday, November 6th, at Gearhart Funeral Home, 11275 Foley Blvd, Coon Rapids, MN from 1-4PM with a time of sharing at 3PM.