Columbus, OH — Owen Lawrence Julius, 81, of Millstone Township, N.J., died peacefully in his sleep on Feb. 6, 2024, surrounded by his loving family.

Mr. Julius graduated from Iowa Weselyn College with a bachelors degree and went on to get his masters at the University of Iowa.

He was active in his community, serving as board president of the Hawkeye Colt Stakes Association. He was inducted into the Iowa Harness Hall of Fame in 2004. He served on the All Iowa Fair Board and was a member of the USTA.

He was a member of the Otter Creek Lions Club and in 1980 was named District 8 Counselor of the Year in Iowa.

Mr. Julius shared a love of horses with his family, trail-riding and racing. He was always in for a good game of cards with family and friends.

He is survived by his wife, Ellen (Asby), whom he married in 1967; daughter, Julie (Andy) Miller; and grandchildren, whom he cherished, Tyler and Olivia. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence and Virgina.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday (Feb. 12) from 3-7 p.m. at Freeman Funeral Home, 47 East Main Street, Freehold.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude’s at www.stjude.org.

To leave a condolence, please visit www.freemanfuneralhomes.com.