Juanita Diaz
July 1, 2011

Juanita was born May 19, 1924 in Elkhorn, Iowa to Anna and Elmer Petersen. Juanita grew up in Iowa and during her teen years started working to help financially care for her younger siblings after her father became ill and was unable to work. Juanita was married to Douglas Toepel (now of Lincoln) and spent the first few years of their marriage in Covina, California before coming to Fremont. She spent a short period of time in Princeton, New Jersey where she met and married her husband, Henry Diaz.

Juanita was employed by the Educational Service Unit #2 for over 25 years. She was involved in many charitable organizations and was an active member of Sinai Lutheran Church in Fremont.

Juanita was an active member of her church and the community. She was a true advocate for social justice. She was the Founder of the Low Income Ministry of Dodge County and the Founder of Care Corps of Fremont. She was instrumental in the formation of the Fremont Chapter of Habitat for Humanity. She spent countless hours providing for the needs of others in the community.

Juanita was blessed with many friends and a caring family. She is survived by her husband, Henry Diaz residing at Nye Legacy, and her two children and two grandchildren. Her son, Paul Toepel and his wife Linda of Mount Laurel, NJ and their children, Lauren and Evan and her daughter, Elizabeth Toepel of Morse Bluff. She is also survived by three sisters, Marjorie Wildrick (husband Jack now deceased), Arleen McDonald (husband Donn) and Shirley Caudle (husband Vince) and one brother, Paul Petersen (wife Tamea now deceased) and many nieces and nephews.

Juanita will be remembered as a true Christian woman who lived a life of service helping those in need.

The memorial service will be 11am Wednesday July 6 at Sinai Lutheran Church.

If you would like to make a donation in memory of Juanita, please send to Sinai Lutheran Church or one of the organizations listed above.