Julia Barthel

Julia (nee Dahoda) Barthel, formerly of St. Louis, Missouri, passed away on April 16, 2022, at the age of 95 in Houston, Texas.

For the past 5 years, she and her devoted husband of 67 years lived in the independent living facility at The Abbey at Westminster Plaza in Houston. Having lived the majority of their lives in St. Louis, they moved to Houston to be closer to their daughter and two grandchildren.

She is survived by her beloved husband, Henry Barthel; son Mark Barthel; daughter Laura (Martin) Citardi; sisters Katherine Signorello and Eva Nazarik; and grandchildren Nicole Citardi and Alexander Citardi.

Julia was born in Leadwood, Missouri on December 5, 1926 to the late Paul and Eva (Chomko) Dahoda.

She was the baby of the family of six children: Fay Gasawski (deceased), Ann Prochko (deceased), Katherine Signorello, Andrew Dahoda (deceased) and Eva Nazarik. The family moved to Desloge, Missouri, where she graduated high school. Soon after, she moved to St. Louis and worked for many years as an office manager for Arkansas-Best Freight.

Julia met her future husband and soul mate Henry at a dance at the Forest Park Highlands in St. Louis. Henry still lovingly recalls the moment he spotted her across the room in her polka dot dress. They married in 1955 at St. Michael’s Church in Shrewsbury, Missouri. A few years later, they moved to Fenton, Missouri, where they were members of St. Paul Catholic Church. Julia’s home was always open and welcoming to all and she delighted in hosting dinner parties and family gatherings at their home. At the age of 90, without help, Julia and Henry packed up and sold their house and moved to Houston with Julia’s sister Eva.

Julia was known for her impeccable entertaining skills, her delicious desserts and her stylish wardrobe. She was an avid bridge player with a sharp mind throughout her marriage. She was also the ultimate caregiver and couldn’t sit still if there was someone to take of or something to organize. Julia remained elegant and youthful in spirit with a grounded, practical nature. She never knew a stranger and was loved by her many friends and family members. She will be deeply missed by all who were lucky enough to know her.