Juanita Gail Nielsen, 84, of Harrisonville, Missouri passed away on Sunday, August 15, 2021 at Crown Care in Harrisonville. Visitation was held on Wednesday, August 18, 2021  at the Atkinson Funeral Home in Harrisonville. A graveside service was held  Friday, August 20, 2021 at Chariton Cemetery in Chariton, Iowa. Memorial contributions are suggested to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital - https://www.stjude.org/donate/

Juanita was born December 25, 1936 to Irving and Pearl (Heath) Lueck in Medford, Minnesota. Juanita graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Education from Sioux Falls College in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.  Juanita taught for two years in Cloquet, MN.  Juanita married Norlin Nielsen at First Baptist Church in Owatonna, MN on July 1, 1960.   They moved into Norlin's family farmhouse.  Norlin farmed there for three years and Juanita taught school in Irwin, Iowa.  They had a daughter, Shelly,  May 6, 1963.  They moved to Basehor, KS where Norlin worked for a local dairy.  A daughter, Marla was born to them on September 28, 1967. The family moved to Chariton, Iowa in March, 1969.   Juanita spent many years either teaching school or substitute teaching in the Chariton School District, Chariton, Iowa. After Norlin passed away, Juanita sold their house in Chariton and moved closer to Shelly and Marla in Harrisonville, MO. She enjoyed reading and quilting in her free time.  She loved spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.  She leaves a legacy of love for family and God.

Juanita is preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 53 years, Norlin; and her sister, Darlene Jager. She is survived by her daughters: Shelly (Larry) Maddox of Peculiar, MO; and Marla (Duane) Jeppesen of Harrisonville, MO; and her grandchildren: Heather (Albert) Slocomb, Michelle (Kyle) Watts, and Allison Maddox, all of Kansas City, MO and Derrick Jeppesen and Ryan Jeppesen of Harrisonville, MO.  Also surviving are 5 great-grandchildren, Maddox and Clyde Watts, Benaniah, Calvin, and Dahlina Slocomb.