RACINE – Julie Krusienski, 91, passed away at Wheaton Franciscan – All Saints Medical Center on Tuesday, July 31, 2007 after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. While she was a lifetime resident of Racine, Julie was born in Kaukauna, WI. on October 30, 1915 to the late John and Julia Joo. On October 2, 1935, she was united in marriage to Chester V. Krusienski. The two would have celebrated their 72nd wedding anniversary this October. Julie always had a strong work ethic that is something to be admired. She attended Lakeside school in Racine, but left early to earn money for her family by working in the fields of Piper's farms. As a young woman she became a beautician, and later studied at the Layton School of Art in Milwaukee where she learned photo retouching and photography oil painting. In 1946, Julie and her husband Chester began their own business, The Camera House, located at 1419 Douglas Avenue. Julie and Chester worked side-by-side each and everyday from the time they met at the Douglas Theater, which was owned by Chester's family, until they retired and closed The Camera House in 1976. A typical day for Julie began before sunrise and ended well after sunset, and was always occupied by helping others. In spite of her busy schedule she was able to find time to enjoy some hobbies such as gardening, embroidery, China painting, cooking, and traveling. She was also a member of the Racine Garden Club and the Racine Yacht Club. Above all, family was what Julie lived for. She and her husband raised three children making sure each was able to pursue their own ambitions and dreams. Later, she showed the same love for her four grandchildren, who occupied a very special place in her heart. She was able to spend many hours with her grandchildren, helping them daily in anyway she could. Her love for her grandchildren was reciprocated, as they always took the time to visit and help her whenever they could. In every respect Julie was a very special person. As a wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, and friend of many people, Julie was unselfish – she always put others first. Surviving is her husband Chester; son, Brian Krusienski of Chicago; daughters Gale (Tom) Haakensen, and Joy (Gary) Vaillancourt of Racine; grandchildren Meghan (Jim) Edmonson of Sugar Grove, Il; Cullen Rude of Grand Forks, N.D., Casey and Connor Rude of Racine; many nieces, nephews, and close friends. In addition to her parents, she was preceded by her stepfather Frank Bodis; father-in-law and mother-in-law Walter and Mildred Krusienski; and, six siblings. Visitation will be Friday, August 3, 2007 at the funeral home from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm with a service to follow. Internment will follow at Graceland Cemetery. The family expresses much appreciation to Dr. Ansani, nurse Meghan and CNA Amanda from Wheaton Franciscan – All Saints, and nurse Mary Jo from Wheaton Franciscan Hospice.