Julie Grask Obituary

Julie Ann Gibbons Grask, 63, died in her home in Urbandale February 17, 2021. A visitation will be held at Iles Dunn’s Funeral Home in Des Moines on Friday, February 26th from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Monsignor Frank Bognanno will preside over a prayer service immediately following the visitation. The service will be live-streamed from this obituary page starting at 12:45 p.m. Friday.

She was born in 1958 in Des Moines to Gale and Vonnie Gibbons. She grew up in Des Moines and graduated from Dowling High School in 1976 with honors, earning the Aquinas Key Award. She matriculated to Kansas University where she was a proud Pi Beta Phi and received her business degree in 1980. She worked in sales until moving back home in 1986 to become a longtime caregiver for her father, Gale.

She reunited and married Dr. Robert Grask, in 1988, and soon after gave birth to two beautiful boys, Ted and Tyler.

She loved being a stay-at-home mom caring for her two boys during their formative years. She was active in the community through St. Augustin Catholic Church and School in addition to the many sports her boys participated in. She was a firm believer in education, and was instrumental in her boys obtaining degrees from Creighton University School of Medicine and Iowa State University. She took immense pride in sharing their accomplishments with those she loved. She was passionate about many things in life including crossword puzzles and loved watching Game Shows, Michael Jordan, Lifetime movies, The Andy Griffith Show, and Iowa State Athletics.

Over the years, she enjoyed spending time with her friends, summer days sunbathing at Wakonda Club, dining at Noah’s, partaking in her bowling league, and building a welcoming environment for those she loved and cared for. She had a big heart, and cared deeply for others by hosting big family dinners and showering them with thoughtful presents for birthdays and holidays. She was passionate about décor, and enjoyed spending days browsing department stores for items to help bring joy and life to wherever she was. She loved listening to talk radio and the music of her youth while sharing it with the ones she loved and cared for. After her sons progressed to higher education, she rejuvenated her career in sales, notably at Gold Toe Brands, and most recently, at Nordstrom Rack.

Julie is survived by her mother, Vonnie Gibbons; son and daughter-in-law, Dr. Theodore and Crystal Grask; and son, Tyler Grask.

She was preceded in death by her father, Gale Gibbons; brother, James Gibbons; and grandmother, Hildreth Oldham.

Julie loved the sentiment and thoughtfulness of flowers. Arrangements and bouquets may be sent in her honor to Iles Dunn’s Funeral Home, 2121 Grand Ave, in Des Moines.


ARRANGEMENTS BY ILES DUNN'S CHAPEL

To send flowers or a remembrance gift to the family of Julie Grask, please visit our Tribute Store.