Juanita Bedolla

Juanita Bedolla (née Gonzales) passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 7, at Oakridge Gardens Nursing Home in Menasha, surrounded by her loving family. She lived a long and full life, marked by deep faith, hard work, and a love that touched everyone who knew her.

Juanita was born in Byron, Wisconsin, to Faustino and Mary Calderon Gonzales. She moved to Chicago at a young age and worked a number of jobs, but her favorites were with the Lathrop Chicago Boys & Girls Club, Switchcraft and the Zenith Company.

An amazing combination of strength and sass, Juanita was a devoted mother to five boys—Anthony, Gabriel, David, Franciso, and James—whom she lovingly raised on the north side of Chicago. Through her work as an executive secretary at the Lathrop Boys & Girls Club of Chicago, she extended her mother’s heart to many more, offering guidance, encouragement, and care to countless young people.

Her home was always filled with the aroma of her Mexican specialties, the sound of laughter, and silly jokes. One of her favorite traditions was baking dozens of Christmas cookies with her husband, Manuel, and carefully packaging them for her grandchildren each year—we will miss those sweet memories.

Above all, Juanita’s greatest joy was her family. She cherished every moment with her children and grandchildren—Gabriel, Richard, Micayla, James, Frank, Michael, Christian, Miguel, Pilar, Dominick, Nicole, Lisanya, and Marita—as well as her great-grandchildren. She loved welcoming each new addition to the family with a special outfit and delighted in spoiling them endlessly.

A faithful Packers fan, Juanita cheered on the green and gold with great enthusiasm, keeping the Packers–Bears rivalry alive by phoning her Chicago kinfolk during games. She also loved dancing with Manuel and enjoyed countless coffee hours with her neighbors in Melrose Park.

Juanita’s life was blessed by her many nieces, nephews, friends and extended family, who often stopped by to share conversation and laughter. After moving to Oakridge Gardens, she continued to live with purpose, serving as president of the resident council and developing a passion for Bingo with a wonderful new circle of friends and staff. The family extends a special thank you to the Oakridge Gardens staff for their exceptional care, especially great-nieces Isabel, Paige, and Brianna.

Having lived an incredible 95 years, Juanita was ready to embark on her next extraordinary chapter. Her laughter, love of life, and playful banter will be deeply missed.

Juanita is survived by her husband of nearly 50 years, Manuel Bedolla; her children, Tony (Nan) of Crandon, WI; Gabriel (Diana) of Melrose Park, IL; David (Rose) Gutierrez of Oswego, IL; Frank (Virginia) of Menasha, WI; and Jim (Lisa) of Hawthorn Woods, IL; her sister, Mary (Keno) Samudio of Milwaukee; her brother-in-law, John (Helen) Jacobo; and many treasured nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers, John and Ysidero Gonzales and Guadalupe Solis; her sisters, Faustina Rangle, Helen Jacobo, and Millie Trindall; and her grandsons, Jerrad and David Jr Gutierrez.

A visitation and service will take place at Wichmann Funeral Home, Tri-County Chapel 1592 S. Oneida St. Appleton, WI on Saturday, September 20, 2025. Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m., with a service to follow.

The family invites all who loved Juanita to share stories, laughter, and memories of this special woman and her amazing life.