Julie A. Kochan, age 91, a Manitowoc resident, passed away peacefully with her family at her side, on May 1, 2026, at Sylvan Crossing, Manitowoc. Julie was born on November 29, 1934, in Milwaukee, to Irene (Zipperer) and Perry Dickens. She was a graduate of Manitowoc Lincoln High School. On August 16, 1958, she married Louis Kochan at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Manitowoc. Julie was a homemaker and raised 5 children until she later worked as a secretary for her brother Robert Dickens MD’s psychiatry practice. Julie loved to sing in the church choir and played the piano very beautifully. She had an appreciation for music and art and enjoyed attending performances. During autumn, she often liked viewing the changing colors. Julie was a lifelong member of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church and was a wonderful wife, mother and grandmother.
Survivors include her children: Laurie Kochan, Milwaukee, Sharon (Mike) Dawn, Denver, NC, Paula (Mark) Radl, Manitowoc, Amy (special friend Rob Wojtowicz) Specht, Manitowoc, Daniel (special friend Kathy Salazar) Kochan, Douglasville, GA; two grandsons: Zachary (special friend Tehya Sanders) Specht and Ryan (Sheridan) Specht; one step-granddaughter: Amanda Radl; four step-grandchildren; nine step-great-grandchildren; siblings: Robert Dickens MD, Mary Kono, and Margaret (Jan Nebioglu) Dickens; sister-in-law: Dottie Kochan, St. Louis, MO; as well as nieces, nephews, other family and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband Louis, son-in-law Greg Specht, daughter-in-law Mary Kochan, step-granddaughter Jessica Ashley, brothers-in-law, and sisters-in-law.
The family will greet relatives and friends at St. Francis of Assisi on Grand, 1416 Grand Ave., Manitowoc, on Friday, May 22, 2026, for visitation at 10:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. The Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 a.m., officiated by Rev. Doug LeCaptain. Burial will be at Evergreen Cemetery.
Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home, Manitowoc, is assisting the family with funeral arrangements. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family by visiting Julie’s obituary page at www.harriganparksidefuneralhome.com.
