Butala, Julia A. TwichellJulia A. Twichell Butala, age 70, a resident of Manitowoc, died following her courageous battle with cancer on Friday, March 10, 2017 at Holy Family Memorial Medical Center.Julie was born on August 8, 1946 in Urbana, IL to the late William and Betty Synwolt Twichell. She graduated from Lincoln High School with the class of 1964. Julie then went on to obtain her degree in education from UW Milwaukee. In 1965, Julie was crowned Miss Manitowoc. In the early 1970's, she drove a converted school bus from Milwaukee to Alaska where she taught elementary school. Julia moved to Los Angeles and sang professionally with her own band, travelling on the west coast. She landed in Portland, OR and lived there for several years before returning to Manitowoc in the late 1980's. Julie worked in sales at Fox Hills Resort and WOMT before retiring. She was an avid writer, storyteller, and musician. Julie loved Door County, horseback riding, and her many beloved pets. Her beautiful singing, radiant smile and infectious laughter will be missed by all.Survivors include Julie's sister, Nancy Twichell, Oshkosh; brother and sister-in-law, Charles Twichell and Kristi Torkelson, Oak Park, IL; niece and nephew, Allegra and Evan Twichell; aunt, Jane Wells; uncle, Royal (Connie) Synwolt; first cousins, Wendy Kubokawa-Wells, Dave Synwolt, Jeff Synwolt, and Jody (Jim) Kniceley; ex-husband, Tony Butala; also other relatives and friends. Julie was preceded in death by her parents, Bill and Betty Twichell.Funeral services will be held at Noon on Saturday, March 18, 2017 at Lakeshore United Methodist Church, 411 Reed Avenue, Manitowoc. Rev. Carly Kuntz will officiate with burial of Julie's cremated remains at Evergreen Cemetery. Following the graveside service, a luncheon will be held at the Harrigan Parkside Gathering Center, 620 North Water Street, Manitowoc, located on the south property of the Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home. Cremation has taken place at the Harrigan Parkside Crematory and Chapel. The family will greet relatives and friends at Lakeshore United Methodist Church on Saturday from 10:30 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at noon. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.harriganparksidefuneralhome.comThe Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home and Crematory, North 11th and St. Clair streets, Manitowoc is assisting the family with funeral arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in her memory to InCourage (formerly known as Manitowoc Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Resource Center) or the Lakeshore Humane Society. Julie's family would like to extend their thanks to Dr. Winkler, dear friend Judy Eiles, and everyone at Holy Family Cancer Center for all the care and compassion they provided.