Friday, June 26th, 2026
Julienne Rehmert
Julienne Elizabeth "Julie" Rehmert, 94, of West Union, Ohio, passed away peacefully at her residence on June 24, 2026.
Julie was a devoted Catholic mother, grandmother, and beloved family matriarch. She was born on September 5, 1931, in Fort Recovery, Ohio, to the late Louis and Marie (Roessner) Schmidt.
Julie graduated from Fort Recovery High School and earned her teaching degree from Bluffton College in Bluffton, Ohio. She dedicated her life to her faith, family, and community, leaving a lasting legacy of love and devotion.
Julie was first married to the late William "Bill" McDowell and later married the late Carl Rehmert in 1981.
She is survived by her children: Kathryn (Bill) Gray of Winchester, Ohio; Gary (Linda) McDowell of West Union, Ohio; Judy (Ron) Palmer of Bellbrook, Ohio; Barbara Brown of West Union, Ohio; Daniel (Jackie) McDowell of Celina, Ohio; Steven McDowell of Fort Recovery, Ohio; Rita Bigelow of West Union, Ohio; James McDowell of Rockford, Ohio; Kevin (Tracy) McDowell of Celina, Ohio; Elena Howard of Manchester, Ohio; Deborah (Mark) Emrick of Eaton, Ohio; and Kim (Tom) Michael of New Paris, Ohio.
Julie also leaves behind a cherished legacy of 138 grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.
She is further survived by her siblings, Fr. Les Schmidt of Fairfield, Ohio; Evan (Janace) Schmidt of Geneva, Indiana; Margo Rammel of Portsmouth, Ohio; Karen Steinbrunner of West Union, Ohio; and Mary Gall of Cincinnati, Ohio; sister-in-law Jean Schmidt of Hamilton, Ohio; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.
In addition to her husbands and parents, Julie was preceded in death by her son, Robert McDowell; grandchildren Jason McDowell, Krista Mack, Bethany Eckhart, Shayla Grace Miller, Jacob Noggler, and Brad Giesige; and son-in-law Doug Bigelow.
She was also preceded in death by her siblings Joseph (Marge) Schmidt, Daniel Schmidt, William (Eunice) Schmidt, Bennett (Betty) Schmidt, Rose (Joe) Darby, and Arlene (Mike) Weaver; and by her in-laws Ivo Rammel, Walter Steinbrunner, and Tom Gall.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Glenmary Home Missioners, P.O. Box 465618, Cincinnati, OH 45246, or Hospice of Hope, 909 Kenton Station Drive, Maysville, KY 41056.
A celebration of Julie's life will be held at the family cemetery in West Union, Ohio, at a later date.
May her memory be a blessing to all who knew and loved her.
