June 5, 1931 - March 6, 2025
Preceded in death by husband, Guy, and daughter Sharon (Rob) Tesnohlidek. Survived by daughter Kathy Edwards, son Ken (Debra) Edwards, grandchildren Amy Cox, Daniel (Rikki) Cox, Megan (Chad) Johnson, Laura (Andrew) Johnson, Dawn (Robert) Hayes, Amanda (Mark) Nagel; great-grandchildren Josh, Emma, Logan, Sam, Ellie, Jamie, Theo, Zach, Cian, and Emberleigh; great-great grandchild Leland, numerous friends and neighbors from Elmwood Tower.
Juanita was born in Shenandoah, Iowa in 1931 to Ruby (Allely) and Graham Waltz. An only child, Juanita was very close to her cousins. She grew up on a farm in Farragut without running water until the 8th grade, when she and her mother moved into town. Juanita was a star basketball player and drum majorette at Farragut High School, graduating in 1948.
Juanita moved to Omaha after graduation and went to secretarial school. She met her husband, Guy, at a church youth group dance and she approached him first! They were engaged six weeks later and married in November of 1951. They moved to Denver for several years, returning in the mid 1960's. Juanita worked as a Medical Secretary for Dr. Sebastian Zarbano for over 25 years before retirement.
Juanita never used a computer nor had a smartphone, but she was a lifelong reader and always had a book on her side table. She was an avid baker and made her world famous Kolaches, cinnamon bread, and her ceremonial chocolate sheet cake for friends and family often. A master of recipes, Juanita perfected the homemade "Beef and Noodles," apple sauce, egg rolls, and homemade ice cream with chocolate "goop." She instituted family dinner on Thursday nights, which evolved into "Grandma Day" once the grandchildren came along.
Juanita managed the semi-monthly potluck at Elmwood Tower, her home, for almost two decades, and knew just about everyone in the 21 story high rise. She baked cookies for the onsite church services, made kolaches for the bake sales and board meetings, and participated in women's club, weekly bingo, bible study, weekly floor lunches, and was extremely close with her 3rd Floor Friends. Even though she slowed down in her last couple of years, Juanita was active in everything and lived independently until her passing.
MEMORIAL SERVICE: Monday, March 10, 2025 at First United Methodist Church (7020 Cass St. Omaha, NE 68132).
In lieu of flowers, memorials to First United Methodist Church or Elmwood Tower Library.
Braman Mortuary & Cremation Services
1702 N. 72 St. Omaha, NE 68114 / 402-391-2171
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