Juanita Dawn Steichen (Connor) passed away peacefully in her sleep, surrounded by love, her hair looking beautiful and her signature feather in place—just the way she would’ve wanted. In her final days, she was surrounded by her beloved children, grandchildren, and her cherished sister Cassie, celebrating the joyful engagement of her granddaughter Casey to Daniel (Goldberg). True to form, her last evening was spent enjoying a margarita at one of her favorite spots, Red Lobster, toasting to life and family.

Born in Galena, Illinois, Juanita was the daughter of Juanita May Connor (Deneen) and Donald L. Connor. She graduated from Galena High School – where surprisingly she played the flute- and later earned her nursing degree from St. Anthony’s Nursing School in Rockford, Illinois. Her dedication to caring for others defined her career, as she served faithfully as a nurse at Xavier and later Mercy Hospital until her retirement at age 65.

Juanita married the love of her life, Glen R. Steichen, and together they shared 45 years of marriage before his passing in 2002. She was blessed to find a second chapter of love with Lowell Wolter, her devoted partner of 15 years, who passed away in 2022.

A proud, lifelong fan of the Iowa Hawkeyes, Juanita was a 40+ year season ticket holder and attended many bowl games from coast to coast. She saw Caitlin Clark play live as a Hawkeye and never missed a football season, thanks to the unwavering support of Bruce and Mark LeGrand, and her son Gene, who made sure she never missed a chance to cheer on her team. Her one heartbreak: never seeing the Hawkeyes win a Rose Bowl, despite faithfully attending four of them. But she’ll be watching from above when that day finally comes.

Juanita had a joyful spirit and a deep love of music, dancing, anything Irish, and—most of all—her family. She was proud of each of her children and grandchildren:
• Cynthia Steichen (Denver, CO)
• Gene Steichen (Los Angeles, CA)
• John Steichen (Omaha, NE)
• Dawn Steichen Buscher and husband Richard Buscher (Dallas, TX)

Her beloved grandchildren brought her endless joy and pride:
Kayla Kenyon (Denver, CO); Casey Buscher (Dallas, TX) and fiancé Daniel Goldberg; Connor Buscher (Dallas, TX) and partner Katelynn Kennedy; and Connor Steichen (Omaha, NE).

She is survived by her devoted sister and best friend, Kathleen “Cassie” Ann Hollatz (Connor) of Minocqua, WI. She was preceded in death by her husband Glen, her partner Lowell, and siblings Marlene May Connor, D David Connor, John David Connor ( surviving Janet Connor of Galena), and PVT John Patrick “Jack” Connor, who died in combat during WW2. And her beloved late father in law Nicholas Steichen.

Juanita gave back to her community through her many years as a volunteer with the Colts Drum and Bugle Corps—a cause close to her heart. In her honor, donations may be made to:
Colts Youth Organization
2300 Twin Valley Drive, Dubuque, IA 52003
(563) 582-4872 | https://colts.org/give

Though we wish she could be here for future graduations, weddings, and Iowa victories, we know she’ll be watching—cheering us on with love, laughter, and a little bit of sparkle.

Special thanks to her long-term hair stylist, confidant, and friend, Penny Frazer Veach (Design Works), Lauren Austin, her chauffeur, friend, and partner in crime, and Angie McNamer who has always been a constant source of friendship and support for Juanita and her family.

Services:
Service scheduled for Saturday May 10, 2025
Visitation, 9am to 11 am at Miller’s Funeral home
1185 IL-35, East Dubuque, IL
11 am service followed by a celebration of life at Shorty’s:
288 Sinsinawa Ave, East Dubuque, IL 61025

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.millerfhed.com©