Juanita Marie (Larson) Opheim

Juanita Marie (Larson) Opheim passed away on October 18, 2023, at the age of 90.  She was born in Bode, Iowa on January 3, 1933, to Arnold and Sedona Larson. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Richard M. Opheim, baby brother, Robert Larson, and brother-in-law Gordon Johnson.

She is survived by her sister, Susan Johnson; sons, Michael Opheim and wife Jean, Jeff Opheim and wife Cynthia, and Patrick Opheim and wife Denise; grandchildren, Katelynn Dorland, Kelli Michalk, Kristi Opheim, Marcus Opheim, Jarret Judson, and Brandi Quinton; great-grandchildren, Kaden, McKenna, Kohen, Skye, Eli, Aria, Palmer, Mercedes, and Elizabeth. 

Juanita graduated from Bode High School. She married Richard Opheim in Bode in 1953. They moved to New York while Richard served in the US Air Force.  Upon his discharge they returned to Renwick, Iowa, then to Tripoli, Iowa, and finally settled in Dows, Iowa where their sons graduated from high school.  Juanita moved to Texas in 2006 where she worked part time at Pennington Funeral Home.  She was a devout Christian. She served as President of First Lutheran Church in  Dows, Iowa and First Lutheran Church in San Marcos, Texas.

Juanita was a loving mother and wife. Her passion was the education of children. She was an elementary school teacher prior to becoming a full time Mom raising three boys.  Her career then led her to World Book Encyclopedia where she achieved area, district, and division manager.

As her family continued to grow, she got great satisfaction out of seeing her grandchildren in sports, dance, theatre, music, and family gatherings.

A Memorial Service will be held at 3:00pm on Saturday, October 21, 2023, at Pennington Funeral Home, 323 N. Comanche St., San Marcos, Texas. 

Juanita will be interred beside her husband and parents in the Bode, Iowa cemetery with a memorial service.  The date of this service has yet to be determined.  

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Juanita’s memory to First Lutheran Church, 130 W. Holland St., San Marcos, Texas 78666.