Jule Zugel Obituary, Sioux City, IA Car Accident; Wells Enterprises Director of Strategic Sourcing Has Passed Away
The Sioux City community continues to mourn the heartbreaking loss of Julee Vermilye Zugel, whose sudden passing following a tragic car accident has left family members, friends, coworkers, and loved ones devastated. Her death represents not only the loss of an accomplished professional, but also the loss of a compassionate, generous, and deeply loved woman whose impact extended far beyond her career.
Julee was widely respected for her leadership as Director of Strategic Sourcing at Wells Enterprises, the company known for Blue Bunny Ice Cream. Throughout her professional life, she built a reputation for excellence, dedication, and integrity. Colleagues admired her ability to lead with both confidence and compassion, describing her as someone who balanced professionalism with genuine care for the people around her. She was known for mentoring others, encouraging teamwork, and creating an atmosphere where employees felt supported and appreciated.
Those who worked alongside Julee often speak of her calm presence, thoughtful guidance, and willingness to help others succeed. Her leadership style reflected not only intelligence and experience, but also empathy and kindness. She understood the value of relationships in the workplace and made lasting impressions on countless coworkers through her encouragement and generosity.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Julee’s greatest joy came from the people she loved. Family members lovingly described her as the “rock” of the family — dependable, selfless, and always present for those who needed her. Her devotion to her loved ones shaped every aspect of her life, and her greatest happiness came from spending time with family, sharing conversations, laughter, and meaningful moments together.
Her bond with her beloved grandson Zach held a particularly special place in her heart. Friends and family say she cherished every opportunity to support, guide, and encourage him, creating memories that will now be treasured forever. Her steady presence brought comfort and strength to those around her, and her ability to make people feel cared for was one of the qualities that made her so deeply loved.
Julee’s life story was also one of resilience and determination. She pursued her education while balancing full-time work, earning a degree in Business Administration from Western Michigan University while employed at Perrigo. She also attended Eastern Illinois University earlier in her academic journey. Those experiences reflected the perseverance, discipline, and work ethic that remained central to her character throughout her life.
Even in passing, Julee’s compassion continues to touch others. Her decision to become an organ donor stands as one final act of extraordinary generosity — a reflection of the selfless way she lived every day. Loved ones describe this decision as perfectly representative of who she was: someone who continually sought to help others and make a positive difference wherever she could.
As family and friends gather to honor her memory through funeral and memorial services, tributes continue pouring in from across Sioux City and beyond. Many have described Julee as an “angel on earth,” someone whose warmth, wisdom, kindness, and unwavering support left a lasting mark on everyone fortunate enough to know her.
Though her passing leaves an irreplaceable void, Julee Vermilye Zugel’s legacy remains alive through the countless lives she touched, the love she gave so freely, and the example of compassion and strength she leaves behind. Her memory will continue to inspire family, friends, coworkers, and all who carry forward the lessons and kindness she shared throughout her remarkable life.