Juliann Marie Baxter is at home with Jesus after a ten-year battle with cancer. She passed away on March 2, 2026, at 9:14 a.m., surrounded by the love of her family and friends. In her final weeks, many visited her home—often singing songs to her, including one of her favorites, "10,000 Reasons." Until the end, she continued encouraging others and remained steadfast in her faith.

Juli was born on June 29, 1952, in Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. She was baptized and confirmed at St. Luke's Lutheran Church. She attended Howe School, Immanuel Lutheran School, Lincoln High School, and Concordia College in St. Paul, Minnesota, later earning her master's degree from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire.

She knew as a grade-school student that she wanted to be a teacher. Juli devoted more than 25 years to Lutheran education, teaching grades K-8 (as she would say, "not all at the same time") and serving as a music instructor. She also served as Director of Music at churches in Michigan, Wisconsin and California.

She was known for expecting excellence from her students. Her oft-repeated phrase, "Success comes in cans, not in cannots," reflected her belief that everyone is capable of more than they think.

Many former students remained in contact over the years, and many became like extended family. She had a special gift for drawing people in and making them feel they belonged. Her Thanksgiving table always included room for more.

On June 27, 1980, she married Christopher Baxter in Glendale, California. They were blessed with three children: Kathryn, Samuel, and Jameson. Her children knew her not only as Mom, but also as "Mrs. Baxter" or "Mrs. B." at school. Music was central in their home, and making music together was one of her steady joys.

After leaving classroom teaching in 2000, Juli moved to Greenville, Wisconsin, where she served for more than 17 years as Minister of Music and Christian Education at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church.

Throughout her life, she encouraged others to draw closer to God and become the best versions of themselves. She often reminded those she loved, "I love you, but Jesus loves you more."

Juli was an avid reader throughout her life and was famously caught as a teen reading under the covers with a flashlight after lights-out. Years later, she told her students that if she seemed tired, it was probably because she had stayed up too late reading, and she gave them permission to do the same.

One of her favorite places was Camp Luther in northern Wisconsin. She first attended as a child and later made sure her own children and students experienced the same place she had grown to love. Throughout her life, she returned there to enjoy God's creation, sing, grow in faith and scrapbook with her sister.

In her final decade, her greatest joy was her grandchildren. She loved them fiercely and steadfastly—reading with them, teaching piano, helping with homework, doing jigsaw puzzles, playing games, and even teaching them how to lose gracefully at Aggravation. They will remember her special one-on-one times and, rightfully so, her famous oatmeal.

Juli was preceded in death by her father, Edmund Gust (1955), and her mother, Gertrude Gust (Schroedel, 2009). She is survived by her husband, Christopher; her children Kathryn Sunstrom (Adam) of Appleton, Wisconsin; Samuel Baxter (Angela) of Wadsworth, Ohio; and Jameson Baxter (Cecilia) of Easton, Pennsylvania; her grandchildren Elliott, Henry, Alexa, Simon, Annika, Benjamin, Julia and Melody; her sister Marilyn (Stan); her brothers Ed and Jon; her nephew Andrew (Heather); and her sister-in-law Martha.

Juli asked that her obituary end with her sincere thanks to the many friends and relatives who prayed faithfully for her throughout her cancer journey. It was her lifelong prayer that all those she loved would also know the peace and hope she found in Jesus.

A memorial service will be held Thursday, March 19, 2026, at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church in Greenville, Wisconsin. Visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m. until the service at 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund will be established.