It is with broken hearts that we share the passing of Peter Julius, age 51, on May 15, 2026. Peter was born on October 22, 1974, and leaves behind a family who loved him deeply and will miss him more than words can say. He is survived by his beloved children, Addison and Cooper Julius, who were truly the center of his world. He is also survived by his mother, Pamela Roepke; stepfather, David Roepke; sister, Leslie Julius; and nieces, Abigail and Alyssa Perun. Peter was preceded in death by his father, Paul Julius, who passed away in August 2025.
Peter loved to cook and grill, and if you were lucky enough to sit at his table, you likely remember his incredible steak and what could only be described as legendary “adult mac and cheese.” Feeding people was one of the ways he showed love.
Raised around the water, Peter grew up with lake life in his blood. It came as no surprise when he followed his mother and stepfather from Toledo to Holland, Michigan, where he pursued his love of sailing. That love may have been inherited, as his father shared the same passion for the water. We like to think they are somewhere sailing together again.
Peter also inherited his father’s sense of humor, a gift that helped him connect with people and put them at ease throughout his career in sales. He had a way of making people laugh, making conversation easy, and leaving a lasting impression.
Above all else, Peter loved being a father. Addison and Cooper were his greatest gift, his greatest love, his biggest joy, and truly his lifeline. After they were born, there was hardly a conversation that did not include them in some way. He loved them fiercely and was endlessly proud to be their dad.
Peter’s life was not always easy, but he was deeply loved. He leaves behind memories, stories, laughter, and a space that can never quite be filled. We hope those who knew him remember the humor, the heart, the meals shared, the wind on the water, and the love he had for the people closest to him.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at 1:00 pm at Dykstra Funeral Home, Mulder Chapel, 188 West 32nd St Holland, MI followed by a Celebration of Life from 2:30 pm to 4:30 pm at Macatawa Bay Yacht Club a fitting place to honor our sailor.
In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations in Peter’s memory to Reach for Recovery for those seeking hope and healing, and to Macatawa Bay Youth Sailing, helping future generations discover a love for the water that meant so much to Peter.
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