View Video Tribute Master Sergeant Julie A. Lander, 48, of Killeen, TX, formerly of Keokuk, IA, died Wednesday, December 26, 2007 at Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center in Ft. Hood, TX. She was born on July 2, 1959 in Keokuk, IA, the daughter of Wayland T. and Karen A. Thompson Lander She graduated from Keokuk High School with the Class of 1977 and attended Western Illinois University for four years. She continued her education while in the army and received her Bachelor's Degree. Master Sergeant Julie A. Lander was currently serving in the United States Army with the 36th Engineer Battalion and was stationed at Ft. Hood, Texas. She began her military career in 1985 and has proudly served her country for over 21 years. She had served in Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom as well as in other missions. Master Sergeant Lander had received several medals and honors for her dedicated service. Julie was a very talented artist and an accomplished athlete. She loved the outdoors and enjoyed spending time in the mountains and at lakes and oceans. She had a great love for animals and provided a loving home for three dogs. She also had a knack for attracting stray animals and made a special effort to obtain medical care and find good homes for them. She is survived by her father Wayland T. Lander of Warsaw, IL, two sisters, Tracy Hymes of Keokuk, IA and Terri Lander of Hamilton, IL, numerous aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews, many close friends including Julie Bentler of Morning Sun, IA, Deborah Schmitz of Keokuk, IA and Janet Mann of Keokuk, IA and the many members of her military family and special military acquaintances. She was preceded in death by her mother and her maternal and paternal grandparents. Funeral services were held at 11 a.m., Friday at the Vigen Memorial Home in Keokuk, IA with Brother Bill Hauser officiating. Burial with military rites was in the Keokuk National Cemetery. A memorial has been established.