Julie Zell, age 58, of Huron, passed away on Wednesday, November 18, 2020 at Ava's House in Sioux Falls, following a short battle with bile duct cancer. Her Memorial Service will be on Saturday, November 28, 2020 at 1:00 PM at the Nordby Exhibit Hall in Huron. Private burial will take place at De Smet Cemetery. Her service will be live-streamed on the Welter Funeral Home Facebook Page

Visitation will be on Friday, November 27, 2020 from 3-5:30 PM at the Nordby Exhibit Hall. Family will be present at 4 PM. A Time of Sharing will begin at 5:30 PM.

Julie Ann Zell was born on May 7, 1962 to parents Donald and Janice (Rousar) McCaskell in De Smet, South Dakota. Julie grew up in the De Smet and Huron area, graduating from Huron High School in 1980. Julie graduated from Huron University with a degree in Criminal Justice. A couple of years later, she returned to Huron University and received her Bachelor's Degree in Education.

Julie married Gary Zell on December 1, 1982 in Huron. Julie was a 4 ^th grade teacher in the Huron School District for 25 years. She was nominated 4 times for Teacher of the Year within the school district. She cared deeply for all of her students past and present. She said one of the biggest rewards in teaching is seeing her students later in their lives, getting a hug and visiting with them.

When she wasn't teaching, Julie loved to fish, collect antiques, observe bald eagles, feed birds and squirrels, and work on her flower garden. Spending time with her family and friends was also very important to her.

Julie is survived by her husband, Gary of Huron; daughter, Stephanie (Jeremy) North; son Michael (Charlotte) Zell of Huron; grandchildren, Samantha, Kaleb, and Bryson; brother Scott (Jacque) McCaskell of Huron; niece Lindsey (Alex) Styer; nephew Trevor (Becca) McCaskell; and great-niece, Haelyn McCaskell.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Donald and Janice; and beloved dogs Buddy and Bonnie.

In lieu of flowers, family requests memorials be sent to Huron Area Educational Federal Credit Union for the Julie Zell Scholarship Fund.