Juanita L Shafer

November 8, 1946 - March 1, 2018

Juanita L. Shafer, age 71, of Altoona, WI passed away Thursday, March 1, 2018 at Mayo Clinic Eau Claire surrounded by her family. Juanita was born on November 8, 1946 in Durand, WI to Peter Brown and Bernice (Kingsley). She was the youngest of eight children. Juanita married Lester W. Shafer Sr. in 1978 and had one child. They were married for 23 years prior to Lester passing away. Juanita, Lester and their son had many great times enjoying the outdoors while living in Bennett, WI which is where they had built a home to be near Lesters’ employment on the Great Lakes as a Wheelsman. In 1991 the family relocated to Elk Mound, where their son lives to this day. Through the years Juanita enjoyed many activities such as cooking/baking, fishing, camping, travel (especially to Wyoming to visit her brother), and many crafts such as woodworking, knitting and painting. She worked for many years as a Certified Nurses Aid and through that work, brought countless smiles to many faces. Juanita, not known to back away from a challenge, studied and obtained her licensure as a Taxidermist and performed taxidermy on a number of animals. This was never a career but rather a hobby that she was very good at. Juanita is survived by her son Les (Crystal) Shafer of Elk Mound, grandchildren Colton & Jazmyn (her “Little Angels”), sisters Ardith Knuth of Eau Claire, WI and Torleta (Wayne) Yoder of Glenwood City, WI and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Peter & Bernice Brown and her brothers, Charles, Ronald, Richard, Darrell and Delvin. My Mom was a very kind and caring person. Those that knew her were lucky to have had the opportunity. She absolutely loved my family and I. I’ll never forget the way she jumped up and down with joy when I carried my kids out of the delivery room to the window for family to have their first look. She was so excited. I truly believe hardly a minute passed from that point forward when she didn’t think of my kids on some level. What a proud mom and grandmother. I have no doubt that I’ll forever be proud to call her my Mom. There are many people in the world but only a few knew Juanita. Those that did, loved her. We love you Mom. Rest in peace. A visitation will be held from 5PM – 7PM on Thursday, March 8, 2018 at Olsons Funeral Home in Menomonie. Family and friends are invited to attend. There will be food and refreshments served. She wouldn’t want you to go away hungry!