Julie A. Burhans

Julie A. Burhans age 67 of Detroit Lakes, MN passed away March 14 at her home, under the care of Hospice of the Red River Valley, surrounded by her family. Julie fought a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. 

A Memorial Visitation will take place on Saturday, June 13, 2020 at Grace Lutheran Church, Detroit Lakes from 1:00-3:00pm followed by Family Memorial Service.

Julie Ann Gjersvig was born June 13, 1952 in Detroit Lakes, MN to Elden and Thelma (Nyland) Gjersvig. She was baptized and confirmed at Bakke Lutheran Church in Detroit Lakes, MN. In 1970, Julie graduated from Detroit Lakes High School and then went on to graduate from Alexandria Technical School.

On October 30, 1971 Julie was united in marriage to Stephen Clayton Burhans. They made their home in Detroit Lakes until they moved to Breckenridge, MN. In October 1987, they moved to California to be with family until returning to Detroit Lakes in 1991. Julie worked for Bremer Bank until she retired in June of 2017.

Her heart was full of love for her family and friends. She was especially passionate about attending her grandchildren’s sports and extracurricular activities.  Up until cancer made it difficult, she could always be found watching her grandkids play hockey during the Winter and football in the Fall. She loved watching professional sports. She cheered on the MN Vikings, Twins and Wild. Julie loved spending summers at the lake, whether it be at the cabin on Little Sugar Bush or fishing on Cormorant and Big Pine Lake. No matter where they were, she typically out fished Steve.

Julie will be forever missed and loved by her husband, Steve; three sons, Brian (Jessica) Burhans, of Detroit Lakes MN; Chad (Jessica) Burhans, of Fargo, ND; Daniel (Brigid) of Hastings, MN; her mother Thelma Mitchell, of Detroit Lakes; two brothers, James (Susan) Gjersvig, and Robert (Sue) Gjersvig, of Detroit Lakes; sister in laws Vickie (Ben) Cote, of Fergus Falls, MN and Cheryl (Jim) Gray, of Covina CA and seven grandchildren, Logan, McKenna, Brock, Brodie, Brenna, Kieran and Kellan; aunt and uncles, several nieces and nephews and extended family. She was preceded in death by her father, Elden Gjersvig, step-father, Merl Mitchell, brother, Dudley Gjersvig, sister-in-law, Charlotte Gjersvig, brother-in-law, John Burhans and niece Amber Gray.

Julie is forever grateful for her friendships with Cheryl Lodl, Denise Brown, Karen Johnson, Judy Gifford and Brian & Evonne Stoen. She also holds a special place in her heart for her Bremer Bank family. A special thank you to Dr. Snow and the staff of Roger Maris Cancer Center. The bond was not only as a patient but also as friends. Julie and her family sincerely appreciate the staff from Hospice of the Red River Valley for their compassion and great care until the very end.

In Lieu of flowers memorials are preferred to Hospice of the Red River Valley and Sanford Roger Maris Cancer Center in Fargo, ND.