Julie M. Schortzmann

Julie Schortzmann, age 65, of Watertown, South Dakota, passed away on August 2nd at home.

A graveside service for family will be held on Monday, August 10, 2026, at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Watertown, South Dakota, where Julie will be laid to rest alongside her parents.

Julie was born on September 26th, 1960 to Herman and Patricia (Lundberg) Luken. She grew up in Watertown, where she attended school and made friendships that she treasured throughout her life.

After graduating from high school, Julie moved to Rapid City, South Dakota, where she married Steve Schortzmann. They shared 32 years of marriage and together welcomed two children, Carrie Sharpe (Schortzmann) and Nicholas Schortzmann. In support of Steve's career, Julie made homes for her family in Modesto, California, St. Helens, Oregon, West Jordan, Utah, and Longmont, Colorado, before eventually returning to Watertown, where she spent the remainder of her life.

Julie was someone who quietly gave her whole heart to the people she loved. She had an incredible work ethic and believed in showing up every day, whether at work or for her family. She rarely missed a day of work and always gave her best, no matter the task. That same dedication carried into motherhood. She would do anything for her children and never hesitated to put their needs ahead of her own.
Nothing brought Julie greater joy than being a mother and a "Gramma." Her three grandchildren, Jaxson Russell Sharpe, age 18, Raegan Sharpe, age 9, and Luca Schortzmann, age 4 months, were the absolute light of her life. If you spent any time with Julie, chances are you were proudly shown the latest pictures or videos of her grandchildren. She loved celebrating their accomplishments, talking about them, and sharing just how proud she was of each of them.

Julie showed her love through thoughtful acts of kindness. Birthdays and Christmases were especially important to her, and she chose gifts with love and intention, wanting every person to feel special. She loved deeply and had an incredibly compassionate heart. It genuinely hurt her to see someone struggling, and she would do whatever she could to help. At the same time, Julie possessed strength and a fighting spirit. She was resilient, determined, and often carried life's greatest challenges privately while continuing to care for those around her.

Julie found strength in her faith in Christ and treasured the relationships that filled her life with meaning. Some of her happiest memories were made growing up in Watertown, building a home and raising a family, and simply spending time with those she loved most. Her sisters were not only family, but her closest friends, and she always knew she could count on her brothers, whose love and support meant so much to her. She also had a special love for animals, and they loved her right back. She was especially known for always having an orange cat that somehow chose her, even when it started out as the family's pet.

Julie is survived by her daughter, Carrie Sharpe (Schortzmann); her son, Nicholas Schortzmann; her grandchildren, Jaxson Russell Sharpe, Raegan Sharpe, and Luca Schortzmann; her brothers, Norman Luken and Rob Luken; her sisters, Theresa Saragiotto (Luken) and Shirley Luken; her daughter in law, Tara Schortzmann; her son in law, Weston Sharpe; her sister in law, Sue Luken; her brother in law, Paulo Saragiotto; along with many nieces, nephews and extended family members.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to Prairie Lakes Hospice for the kindness, compassion, and exceptional care they provided during Julie's final journey.

Julie will be remembered for her unwavering love for her family, her quiet generosity, her strength through life's challenges, and the pride she took in those she loved. Her legacy lives on in the family she cherished so deeply and in the countless lives she touched with her compassion and kindness.

Arrangements by Crawford-Osthus Funeral Chapel www.crawfordosthus.com Watertown and Hayti

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Julie M. Schortzmann, please visit our floral store.