Juanita Paulsen

1942 - 2015

Juanita Paulsen

Coon Rapids

Funeral services for 73 year old Juanita Paulsen of Coon Rapids will be held Tuesday at 11:00 am at the First United Methodist Church in Coon Rapids. Friends may call from 5:00-8:00 pm on Monday at the Ohde Funeral Home in Coon Rapids. Visitation will resume at church on Tuesday after 9:00 am.

Juanita Mae, daughter of Howard and LaVon (Johnston) Smouse, was born April 4, 1942, at Carroll, Iowa. She attended country school and later Coon Rapids schools, graduating from high school in 1959. Juanita lived in Carroll County her whole life.

On June 28, 1959, Juanita was united in marriage with Lyle Paulsen at the Methodist church in Coon Rapids. Six children were born to this union and the family lived in Coon Rapids and the surrounding area. In addition to being a busy homemaker, Juanita worked as a school bus driver for 17 years. She also worked seasonally sorting corn at Garst and Thomas and for ICI in the office. Juanita was a member of the First United Methodist Church.

Juanita embraced friends as members of her family and welcomed them all to her dinner table. She loved holidays, especially Christmas, making them magical for the children in her life. Juanita was a talented cook and baker, a thrifty homemaker and she was proficient in canning produce. She delighted in sharing a story and a laugh.

For many years Juanita was cared for by her loving husband Lyle. When she needed additional care she moved to Regency Park Nursing and Rehab in Jefferson for a short time. She died there on Friday morning, July 17, 2015, at the age of 73 years, 3 months and 13 days

Juanita is preceded in death by her father Howard Smouse; parents-in-law Marvin and Ethel Paulsen; brother Steve Smouse; and grandson Donald Sterns.

She is survived by her husband of 56 years Lyle Paulsen, Coon Rapids; mother LaVon Smouse, Coon Rapids; six children: Larry Paulsen, Coon Rapids; Gloria Risius (Joe), Ankeny; Michelle Sterns, West Des Moines; Sue Risius (Rich), Grimes; Joan Wiskus (Rich), Dedham; Norm Paulsen (Luann), Coon Rapids; 18 grandchildren; 44 great grandchildren; 2 great great grandchildren; sister Janet Cretsinger (Norm), Coon Rapids; other relatives and friends.