Julie Ann (Schewe) Wilde, a long-time Martinez, California resident, passed away peacefully at home on November 5, 2025 with family at her side. The cause was complications from lung cancer. She was born June 21, 1945 in Glendale, California to Gordon Schewe and Olga (Strichevich) Schewe.
She married James Ellis Wilde on June 29, 1968, at St. John Vianney Catholic Church in Walnut Creek, California and enjoyed 37 years of marriage. Together they reared two daughters. Julie and Jim met in the offices of Pan American at San Francisco International Airport. It was love at first sight for Jim.
Julie worked for 35 years with Courtney Enterprises, Inc. in Walnut Creek. As corporate secretary and accounts payable manager, she worked closely with owner Ron Courtney helping him navigate a fast-changing business environment.
Julie loved to travel. Inspired by her extensive travels with her husband, an employee of Pan American, she continued to explore the world on cruises and trips. She enjoyed reminiscing about their VW van and road trips across the US and Europe. Camping in Yosemite National Park brought her the greatest joy. She was always ready to pack her bag and go.
As a St. Francis Xavier Catholic School student, Julie had fond memories of living in Merrill, Wisconsin, where her father’s family had settled in the late 1800s, founding the Merrill Candy Co. The Leidiger family, founders of the Leidiger Brewing Co. in Merrill, were joined by marriage with the Schewe family and Julie continued to enjoy
traveling to joint family reunion celebrations in Merrill. She loved train travel, inspired by her first train trip at age 4. To celebrate her 70th birthday, she invited her family on a cross-country train adventure on Amtrak from Martinez to Chicago. All the grandkids and cousins haven’t stopped talking about it since.
In addition to her parents, Julie was predeceased by her husband, James Ellis Wilde and her sister Nora. She is survived by her sister Andrea Hansen, Turlock, CA and by her two daughters: Michelle (Matt) Heil, Plano, TX; Nicole (Stephen) Sanders, Lafayette, CA; four grandchildren: Liesl and Leah Heil, Paige and Curtis Sanders, as well as nieces Jessica Johnson and Juniper Greshler, nephew David Williamson, and close family Michael, Shaun, Blythe and Fianna Wilde.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
To leave online condolences and remembrances, please visit: https://everloved.com/life-of/julie-wilde/
