Julie Higbee

Julie Higbee, beloved wife, mother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on June 5, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of creativity, compassion, and unwavering devotion to those she loved. She was born on September 18, 1959, and was raised in Manitowoc, Wisconsin. She arrived 10 minutes after her twin brother Jim, and was a surprise to everyone including the doctors and her parents. She has been surprising people ever since.

Julie attended Holy Innocents Elementary and Middle School, graduated from Roncalli High School, and went on to attend Mount Mary College. There, she earned a double major in Fine Arts and Fashion Design. During her senior year, Julie received the Outstanding Fashion Design Award in the International Ladies’ Garment Workers’ Union contest, America’s Next Great Designer. As part of this distinguished honor, she was flown to New York City, where she met some of the most celebrated names in fashion, including Donna Karan, Bill Blass, and Calvin Klein—an experience that reflected the remarkable talent she had demonstrated from an early age.

Julie’s artistic gifts were evident throughout her childhood. She delighted in designing and sewing clothing for her dolls, painting for family and friends, and expressing her creativity in everything she touched. She was also a classically trained pianist whose lifelong love of music became a treasured gift she passed on to her children.

Her professional career was marked by excellence and innovation. Julie served as Vice President of Design and Pattern Making for Lakeland Manufacturing, a role that took her across the globe on business to Asia, as well as to New York City, Chicago, and Las Vegas. Later, she shared her artistic eye as an in-home design consultant for Calico and Arhaus. Her consultations often included hand-drawn illustrations of her clients’ homes—works of art so cherished that many clients framed and displayed them.

Outside of her professional accomplishments, Julie found great joy in home decorating and renovation. She played an active role in the renovation and reconstruction of her family’s five homes in Wisconsin, Connecticut and Illinois, as well as her father-in-law’s home, bringing beauty, creativity, and thoughtful craftsmanship to each project.

Julie had a deep love for animals and, over the years, welcomed three beloved dogs and six cherished cats into her family. She also loved to travel and embraced every opportunity to experience new places and cultures.

Above all else, Julie’s greatest pride and accomplishment was her family. She was a devoted wife to her husband, Keith, and a loving mother to her two children, Spencer and Kayla. She always placed their needs before her own and worked tirelessly to ensure they received the finest education and every opportunity to succeed. Her love, guidance, and encouragement shaped their lives in immeasurable ways.

Julie will be remembered as a compassionate warrior whose strength, kindness, and resilience inspired everyone who knew her. She was a loyal and devoted friend who never hesitated to offer a listening ear, words of encouragement, or a helping hand to someone in need.

Julie was preceded in death by her parents, John "Jack" and Ann Kaderabek; and her brothers, Tom and Dick Kaderabek.

She is survived by her beloved husband, Keith; her son, Spencer and daughter-in-law Emily; her daughter, Kayla; her brothers, Don (Sue) and Jim (Jane) Kaderabek; sisters-in-law Ana and Christie Kaderabek; along with many extended family members and dear friends who will forever cherish her memory.

Julie’s creativity, generosity, warmth, and unwavering love for her family and friends will live on in the countless lives she touched. Her legacy is one of beauty, perseverance, and selfless love.

Cremation has occurred at Harrigan Parkside Crematory Chapel in Manitowoc. Relatives and friends may greet the family at St. Francis of Assisi on Waldo, 1121 N. 14th St., Manitowoc, on Saturday, August 1, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. until 11:45 a.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 12:00 noon. Following the Mass, burial of Julie's urn will take place at Evergreen Cemetery, after which, a luncheon will be held in Julie's honor at Harrigan Parkside Gathering Center, 620 N. Water St., Manitowoc.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial donations be made to Second Hand Purrs Cat Shelter, in honor of Julie’s lifelong love and compassion for animals: Second Hand Purrs, 4300 South Howell Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53207.