Julia Etzel

Julia Porubsky Etzel Surrounded by loving family, Julia Etzel passed away peacefully July 17, 2007 in an Olathe hospital. Julia Elizabeth Porubsky, daughter of Catherine Susan Degenhart Porubsky and John Peter Porubsky, was born March 15, 1924 in Newton, Kansas. The family moved to Topeka in 1930, where Julia graduated from St. Joseph’s Grade School and Capitol Catholic High School class of 1941. She worked for Bell telephone after graduating and then joined the Navy as a WAVE during World War II, stationed in Washington D.C. She returned to Topeka in 1946. Her family had moved to the Oakland community where they became members of Sacred Heart Church. It was there that she met Raymond Francis Etzel. They married June 5, 1948. Julie worked at the Veteran Administration Hospital in Topeka from 1946 to 1951 and then returned in 1967 after raising her family. She retired in 1981. Julia was also employed by the Kansas Legislature from 1983 to 1995. During her retirement, Julie volunteered with Ray at Sacred Heart making Communion calls for the home-bound ministry. Julie enjoyed baking and often volunteered her time (and pies) for many church functions. For many years she coordinated volunteers for baked goods for the annual Germanfest, Sacred Heart’s biggest fundraiser for the school. Julie also enjoyed quilting with her sister Alvina “Andy” Hartman and collecting dolls. She and Andy restored Julia’s favorite childhood toy, a doll she received for Christmas when she was 8 years old. Julia and Ray were active members in the Third Order of St. Francis. Ray preceded Julia in death May 13, 2006. Julia also is preceded in death by her parents, brothers Sylvester “Wes” Porubsky and Everett Porubsky; sisters Loretta Porubsky, Alvina Hartman, and Dorothy Skelton. Julia is survived by her daughters and their spouses, Sharon and Mark Boranyak, Topeka; Connie and John Tompkins, Olathe; and Kathleen and Joe Geist, Overland Park; son Thomas Etzel, Los Angeles; and grandchildren Annie Tompkins, Elizabeth “Beth” Tompkins, John Tompkins, and Julie Rose Tompkins; and Joseph Robert Geist, Abby Geist, Steven Raymond Geist, Michael Geist, Grace Catherine Geist, and Daniel John Geist. The family is especially grateful to Julia’s nurse and dear friend, Dulce Smith, who helped Julia to remain in her home an entire year after the sudden passing of Ray. Family will greet friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Fri. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church where a parish rosary will be prayed at 6:30 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Sat. at the Church. Burial will follow in Mt. Calvary Cemetery. Memorial contributions are suggested to Sacred Heart Church, 333 NE Freeman Ave, Topeka KS 66616.

Julia Etzel

March 15, 1924 - July 20, 2007