Juanita Marie Kneisel, 96, of Hiawatha, died early Wednesday morning, February 1, 2017, at Maple Heights Nursing Home, where she had been a resident for over eight years.

Juanita was born at Hiawatha, December 30, 1920, one of eight children born to the late Orion and Bertha Lupold Welsh and was a lifelong Hiawatha resident.  She attended schools here, graduating with the class of 1939.  Juanita worked many years at the Hiawatha Daily World where she assisted putting the paper together, by hand.  That was when the World was printed 5 days a week.  She later worked at the Sears Catalog Store in Hiawatha for several years before retiring.

Mrs. Kneisel was a longtime member of Immanuel Lutheran Church of rural Fairview; and the Dorcas Society of the Church.  She also was a member of the ladies auxiliary to Homer-White Post #66, Hiawatha American Legion.  Juanita was a kind and giving person, always had a smile and was always concerned about the other person.  If she had a bad day, it never showed.

She married George “Shorty” Kneisel, June 14, 1945, at the Powhattan Lutheran Church. They made Hiawatha their home where they raised their three daughters.  He died November 1, 2000.  Juanita was also preceded in death by her siblings:  Nelson, Cleda, Eugene, Marvin, Harlan, Carol Joan, infant sister Betty; and son in law Larry Brockhoff.

Survivors include her daughters:   Diane Brockhoff of rural Fairview, Nancy (Ronald) Jones of Hiawatha, Peggy (Brian) Estes of Marysville; grandchildren:  Mike and Kellie, and Cathy Brockhoff, Jason Rosenberger, Tara Lockhart; great-grandchildren:  Casey, MaKayla, Megan, Spencer, Deryk, and Chase.

A Celebration of Juanita’s life is planned for 10:30 a.m. Friday, February 3, at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Hiawatha, with Pastor Michael Dunaway officiating.  Interment will follow at Mt. Hope Cemetery, Hiawatha.

Friends may call after 12 noon Thursday, where the family will meet from 6 until 7:30 that evening.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Maple Heights Activity Fund, which may be sent in care of the funeral home, 124 S 7th St., Hiawatha 66434.

A special message or remembrance may be sent in care of www.chapeloaksfuneralhome.com