It is with heavy hearts we announce the sudden passing of our dear Julien Isaac Hernandez on October 13th, 2023 at the age of fifteen years old. Born to Aurea Rose Torres and Ebenezer Silva Hernandez on March 14th, 2008, a LaPorte Hospital prize champion, weighing in at 10lbs. 10oz, he came into our lives and immediately earned his first of many nicknames, “Ten-ten.”
According to Dr. Mustafa, Julien was always advanced for his age. At his one-week checkup, “Ju-Ju” was able to hold his head up and look around and later was walking by nine months. He was an early talker, speaking full sentences by sixteen months and memorizing/singing his favorite songs in perfect pitch by age three. At four years old, he taught himself to read and by the age of five, he was riding his bicycle with no training wheels. He promptly turned around and taught his beloved little brother, Elias Xavier Hernandez, to do the same.
A bright, shining light of gentle kindness, joy, and love, Julien could quickly turn a stranger into a friend. As he grew older, children gravitated towards Julien’s playful spirit. He always made them feel special, willing to play games, shoot Nerf guns, throw water balloons, and play on a playground.
Julien was a sophomore at LaPorte High School and a member of 4-H Shooting Sports. He was a natural athlete and had a special skill for technology. You could catch “J-Boogie” skating with his dog Lexi, playing with his cat Timmy, working out at the YMCA, or doing tricks on his scooter at the local skate park. He also loved hiking, biking, geocaching, and kayaking. Together with Zak Williamson, they were the undefeated kayaking duo, “Team Ram-Rod”. Julien was an amazing chef, making his favorite dishes and often experimenting with new recipes and ingredients.
“J-Bug” would often visit his dear friends, the Filsons, where he learned construction techniques, worked on cars, and did flips with their girls on the trampoline. One of his most favorite activities was making memories with his numerous beloved cousins from both sides of his family. Whether it was hanging out at A Whole World of Good coffee shop, hitting up an escape room or just chilling together in their bedrooms, Julien always loved being around family and friends. The love that was shared is what we will all hold onto forever.
Julien was preceded in death by his great abuelita Polita. He is survived by his mother, father, and brother, by his grandparents Joaquin “Yogi” & Linda Torres, and Marlene Almaraz & Raul Ramos. He is also survived by his Aunt Angela Ruiz (Oscar) and cousins Oliva & Little Oscar, Aunt Amy James (Chris) and cousins Emiela, Little Chris and Rocco, Aunt Yajaira Vasquez, and cousins Jesse, Josh, and Lianna, and by his uncle and Godfather Ken Diedrich II (Godmother Jennifer) and cousins Ken III, Cameron, Emily and Lauren, Uncle Jeremy Torres and cousins Blake (Britney) and Little Axle, Uncle Angel Almaraz (Britney) and cousins Lorenzo and Lotti, Uncle Danny Almaraz and cousins Isabella and Giovanni.
Visitation will be held at Haverstock Funeral Home, 602 Maple Avenue, La Porte, IN 46350 on Saturday, October 21st, 2023 from 11 am to 2 pm. A memorial service led by Father Nate Edquist will begin after the visitation at 2 p.m. followed by the burial at Patton Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made into the “In Memory of Julien Hernandez” account at any branch of the LaPorte Community Federal Credit Union, so that we may establish a memorial at his favorite skate park in his honor.
Online condolences may be made at haverstockfuneralhome.com
