Julie Marie Arendt-Carlberg, age 56, passed away on Friday, January 2, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on June 7, 1969, in Ottumwa, Iowa, the daughter of Robert and Betty (Scott) Arendt. She attended Hedrick High School and graduated with the Class of 1988. On July 27, 2013, she was united in marriage to Charles Carlberg.
Julie worked in the kitchen at Bills Standard and later worked at Scotties Drive-in with her mother. She then went to work at True Value in Oskaloosa before taking a job at Elliot Oil for several years until declining health forced her to early retirement.
She will be remembered for the quiet, Joyful ways she made life sweeter for everyone around her. One of her greatest delights was having her nieces spend the night, filling her home with laughter, stories and a sense of being deeply loved. She cared fiercely for all her nieces and nephews, each holding a special place in her generous heart. Julie also had a special love of animals. She was renowned for her homemade mints-small thoughtful treats that became a signature of her care and creativity.
A true lover of the color purple, she found beauty and comfort in its many shades, and her legendary fingernail polish collection was a reflection of her fun-loving spirit and attention to detail. Music often filled her days, especially songs by Tim McGraw, which she enjoyed with a smile and a sense of calm contentment. Her life was defined not by grand gestures, but by kindness, warmth and the simple joy of making others feel cherished. She leaves behind a legacy of love, sweetness and purple-tinted memories that will be treasured always.
Her family includes her siblings, Doug (Dee) Arendt of Chapin, Illinois, Tina (Paul) Mosbey, Bob (Sharon) Arendt and John (Angie) Arendt all of Hedrick; Ten nieces and nephews, Danielle (Eric) Schnake, David Arendt, Darcy (Jesse) Holtsclaw, Dean Arendt, Ashley (Saxon) Van Buren, Zachary (Amy) Mosbey, Josh (Jessica) Arendt, Chelsea (Max Spalla) Arendt, Nathan (Jordan) Arendt, and Nikole (Dylan Kloski) Arendt; Step nieces and nephews Conrad & Jessica Cunningham. Twenty-two great nieces and nephews, Maggie, James and Willis Schnake, Isabelle Arendt, Charlett Arendt Decklyn, Deakon Holtsclaw, Addison, twins Ian and Lane Van Buren, Donna, Zeke Mosbey, Huxley, Hayes and Haiden Arendt, Axl Spalla, Jax Spalla, Norah, twins Brooks and Weston Arendt, and Torrey and Lizzey Kloski; her stepmother, Sandra Arendt and her faithful companion, Ginger.
She is preceded in death by her parents; her grandparents, Clair and Marvel Scott and Willis and Zora Ruth Arendt.
As was her wish, cremation will take place and a private family burial will take place where she will be laid to rest next to her father. The Fremont Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements. Memorials may be made to the Heartland Humane Society.
