Former Shakopee graduate has passed away

Julia Evelyn Dovolos, 32, of Big Lake, Minnesota, passed away unexpectedly on June 18, 2025. The most painful goodbyes are the ones that are never said and never explained.

Julia is survived by her husband Brandon Frakes; her children, Harper (7) and Sophia (6); parents, John and Michelle Dovolos; sister Stephanie Czech (Dovolos) and her husband Mitchell; and many other family members and friends.

Julia was a beautiful person inside and out with a smile so stunning it would light up the whole room. She had a profound impact on many lives and cared deeply for the people around her. Even while battling metastatic squamous cell carcinoma she never faltered in caring for her beautiful daughters. She was passionate about her job, loved playing volleyball, spending time at the lake and going on annual trips with her sister. She was a pillar of strength and an inspiration to us all.

Family and friends are welcome to attend a celebration of life, which will be held in the upper banquet room at Sundance Entertainment in Dayton, MN on July 8th from 4-8 pm. In lieu of flowers or donations, a GoFundMe page has been set up to support Brandon and the girls with funeral and other ongoing expenses. The GoFundMe can be found at: https://gofund.me/9eb05c5d

Julia's loss is deeply felt by her immense family and all those who knew and loved her. Her memory will continue to live on and inspire strength, resilience, and generosity in those whose lives she touched.