Obituary of Juanita Mae Elick

On Thursday, June 10, 2021, Juanita Elick, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend passed away. She was 84 years old. Juanita was born in Oskaloosa, Iowa on July 30, 1936 to Glenn and Ruth Coble Taylor. She graduated from Sigourney High School in 1955. Juanita met Emil Elick at her sister’s wedding, and they wed on September 3, 1960. They were married for 60 years. Juanita worked as a law clerk, librarian’s assistant, secretary and clerk. She had a smile for everyone, a determination that was infectious and an eye for detail. Juanita loved garage sales and consignment shopping and usually found treasures that she would plan to give to someone else. Family was everything to Juanita. She especially enjoyed her grandchildren and grand “fur babies.” Juanita was intuitive, sometimes “sensing” that someone was having a difficult time and would call to offer support. She loved gathering with family and friends, helping others, Hazelnut coffee, and watching Gunsmoke and Iowa Hawkeye sports. Juanita was preceded in death by her parents, brothers Abner Taylor and Ronald Taylor, sisters Donna Taylor and Louise Taylor and nephew Steven Fry. She is survived by her husband Emil; children Michael Elick (Karen), Kathy Bjornsen (Greg), David Elick (Della) and Mark Elick (Kristi); grandchildren Morgan Fergus (Chase), Jacob Bjornsen, Logan, Laurice, David-DJ and Augustus Elick and Ben and Anna Elick. Sisters Carolyn Taylor and Glenna Fry (James), Brother James Taylor, Sister-in-Law, Maureen Elick and several nieces and nephews. The family would like to express appreciation to Dr Zeitler and the wonderful staff at Iowa City Hospice and the Iowa City “Bird House” Hospice Home of Johnson County. A visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 15, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Gay & Ciha Funeral Home. Funeral service is Wednesday, June 16 at 10 am at St Mary’s Catholic Church. (Sunday Parking Ordinance will be in effect for the streets around the church). Burial will be at the St Joseph cemetery in Iowa City. A luncheon reception will follow at Gay & Ciha Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Iowa City Hospice or The Iowa City “Bird House” Hospice Home of Johnson County. To share a thought, memory or condolence please visit the funeral home website @ www.gayandciha.com