Julie Jenae Kleespie Hanauer Minnix
Julie Jenae Kleespie Hanauer Minnix
Julie Jenae Kleespie Hanauer Minnix, 57, rural Warsaw, formerly of Columbia City, died peacefully at home at 3:30 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 7, 2021.
Born July 1, 1964, in Columbia City, she was a daughter of the late Graham L. and Joan R. (Peterson) Kleespie. Growing up in Columbia City and a few years in Illinois, the family returned to Columbia City, where she graduated from Columbia City Joint High School in 1983. She continued her education at Ravenscroft Beauty College, Fort Wayne, becoming a licensed beautician in 1986.
She began her career at Headquarters East in Columbia City, then moving to House of Style for a short time. In 2009, she returned to Headquarters East until her health prevented her from working earlier this year. She also taught aerobics at Jana’s Body Shop in the Linvill Center in her younger years.
For the past seven years, she lived in rural Warsaw with David Brian Minnix, who she married June 12 of this year.
Thrilled with antique shopping, she enjoyed finding new and exciting items for her home or as gifts. At home, she enjoyed gardening growing both flowers and vegetables, and listening to classic rock. The grandchildren were her pride and joy spending time with them whenever possible. Her care for others extended to her pets, leaving behind her beloved cats Sammy, Maddie, and Ranger.
Surviving is her husband, David; a daughter, Mariah (Austin) Altimus of Columbia City; step-daughters: Ashley Maynard of Larwill; and Tara (Drew) Williams of Gainesville, Fla.; grandchildren, Bryson Altimus, Bennett Altimus, twins Noah and Gabrielle Brown, and Trinity Ousley; siblings, Donald Kleespie of Lake Tippecanoe, Kathryn (Gregory) Kleespie-Lewis of Albion and Jennifer (Jay) Trier of Fort Wayne.
There will be no service. A celebration of life and a private family burial at South Park Annex Cemetery will take place at a later date. Arrangements are in the care of Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City.
Memorials in Julie’s honor are to the Humane Society of Whitley County.
