Julie Hallam

Julie M. Hallam, 75, of rural Eleva, Wis., died Thursday, May 18, 2017, on the family farm, with her husband and two of her three daughters by her side.
Julie was born in Milwaukee to Thomas and Margaret Modine. The family lived in Racine, where she grew up and attended St. Catherine’s High School. She then went on to graduate from Steven’s College, Columbia, Mo., and UW-Madison, where she received a BS in Art.
She was preceded in death by her parents; sisters, Elizabeth (Jackson) and Patricia (Andersen); brother, Thomas Modine.
Julie is survived by her husband, William C. Hallam, of Racine. They were married Sept. 15, 1963, and they have three children, Margaret Hallam, Fairbanks, Alaska; Elizabeth Harris, Woodbridge, Va.; Anne Jones, Denver, Co.; five grandchildren.
After marriage, she moved to Duluth, Minn., for five years, then to Madison, Wis., then settled in Eau Claire until the final move onto the farm south of Eleva, in 1978. Together, on the farm located in Bennett Valley, Trempealeau County, they started a dairy operation with registered Guernsey cattle and eventually raised bred Holstein heifers for sale. Along with the dairy, saddle bred and thoroughbred horses were also bred and raised. A special personal achievement worth noting: in the 10 years of caring for dairy cattle, she never lost a newborn dairy calf.
Most of her adult life was spent raising her family and helping with the family farm work. She served on the Eleva-Strum School Board and worked part-time in Mondovi at Gehrke Floral. Hobbies included caring for miscellaneous and endless dogs and cats. When her children were growing, she joined with them in participating in the 4-H events of the Beef River Pace Setters.
Julie also loved gardening and was active in the Mondovi Garden Club for many years. An example of her “green thumb” is an oak tree growing on the terrace behind the house planted from a single acorn. It has reached eight feet in height.
Hard to explain was her avid love for the UW Badger and Green Bay football teams. She used to march around in the dining room blowing a horn when her team scored. That will be missed.
A celebration of her life for her friends and family is being planned for this summer. Friends and family may offer condolences online at www.fullerspeckienhulke.com.
In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to the local humane society.
Fuller Speckien Hulke Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.