Julie Kalis (VanDyke) passed away on February 14th, 2026 after a courageous and determined fight against years of health challenges. Born to Douglas and Sue (Ellinger) VanDyke on September 28, 1960 in Kalamazoo, she graduated from Portage Central High School in 1978.

For decades, she worked side-by-side with her lifelong friend Sherry Drenth, most recently at Bucky’s Cafe. Locals and regulars could always rely on Julie to fill their stomachs with great food and their hearts with caring conversation about their work, lives, and families.

Julie had a unique blend of compassion and strong will, never afraid to speak up for those who needed a voice. The legacy of her compassion, spunk, and spirit lives on with her daughter Ashlee and granddaughter, Sloane.

Central to her life was her family. Her greatest joy in life was loving on and spoiling her grandchildren, Maddox and Sloane.

Her heart for her family was only rivaled by her love for animals, where she frequently advocated for the care of cats and dogs of all types. Never did an animal reside with her who wasn’t filled with food and full of love.

Julie is preceded in death by her parents. Surviving her is her daughter, Ashlee (Chase) Mielke; stepdaughters, Jessica (Mike) Dawson and Emily (Ben) Harder; siblings, Sherri (Ernest) Noel and Kevin (Rebecca) VanDyke; nephew, Jason (Gretchen) VanDyke; niece, Katelyn (Phil) Kinkema; grandchildren, Isabelle & Lucas Dawson, Keegan & Gavin Harder, Maddox & Sloane Mielke and several friends who were always considered family.