Juanita Grace Kichefski

Juanita Grace Kichefski (nee Spafford) passed away on Monday, January 20, 2025 at Rennes Health and Rehab Center in Rhinelander.

She is survived by her children: Donna (William) Woodward of Ashland; Joseph (Sonia) Kichefski of Volant, Pa.; Tammie (Roger) Grimmage of St. Petersburg, Fla.; Conrad of Minneapolis, Minn.; Anita of Madison; her beloved grandchildren: Stephanie (Jeff) Zuech of Ohio; Stacy Woodward of Madison; Kyle (Melissa) Kichefski of Rochester, N.Y.; Gavin Kichefski of Volant, Pa.; Jacob Grimmage of Madison, Tessia Grimmage of Madison, and great-grandchildren: Emma, Matthew, and Isabelle.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Donald; daughter, Sandra Lee Steiner; her brothers, Marvin and David Spafford of Rhinelander; and her parents, Joseph and Eleanor Spafford.

Juanita was born in 1927 near St. Louis, Mo. As a young girl early in the Depression her family literally bought the farm and relocated to the Starks area where she was raised. 

She was a 1945 graduate of Rhinelander High School. After finishing High School, Juanita attended Miss Hickey’s School for Secretaries in St. Louis. 

Juanita and Don were married on June 4, 1949 in Rhinelander. They settled in the Starks area where they lived for most of their 71-year marriage and where they raised their six children. Juanita worked for several businesses in the Rhinelander area and retired from the School District of Rhinelander. She was a member of the Women’s Business and Professional Group.

After retiring, Juanita tended fastidiously to her flower and vegetable gardens. She and Don often traveled to visit their children and grandchildren. She especially liked Topsail Island, N.C., where they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with their family; and spending Christmases with her grandchildren in England.

Juanita was a member of the First Congregational church, where she was the treasurer for several years. She was also a member of the church Mission Sewing group and the Women’s Study and Share group.

The family would like to thank the staff of Milestones of Rhinelander for their seven years of patience, assistance, and caregiving.

Visitation for Juanita will be held on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, from 10 a.m. to noon, with funeral services following at noon, all at the Carlson Funeral Home. 

Interment will follow in the Northland Memorial Park Cemetery. You may leave your private condolences for the Kichefski family at www.carlsonfh.com. 

The Carlson Funeral Home (715-369-1414) is serving the Kichefski family.