Juanita Jean Vanderbilt, 92 of Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin passed away Wednesday, March 13, 2024 at her son’s home, surrounded by her loving family. Juanita was born February 17, 1932 to Charles and Jeannette (Davidson) Hamilton in near Eastman, Wisconsin. She graduated from Seneca High School in 1950.
On November 2, 1951, Juanita was united in marriage with Richard Douglas Vanderbilt, Sr. at Congregational Church in Lynxville, Wisconsin. Five children were born to this union. Together with Richard, they owned and operated Vanderbilt Tax Service until 1999. Juanita enjoyed gardening, growing flowers, feeding the birds, art, dancing and music. She also enjoyed playing Yahtzee, canning, baking, cooking and camping. Her greatest joy was spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Juanita was a member of the Congregation Church in Lynxville, Wisconsin.
Surviving Juanita are her five children, Permella “Pam” (Ray) Ellefson of Prairie du Chien, Laura (Lloyd) Meyer of Prairie du Chien, Richard “Doug” Vanderbilt, Jr. of Prairie du Chien, Charles (Wendy) Vanderbilt of Prairie du Chien and Jeannette “Jenny” (fiancé, Greg Yarmouth) Vanderbilt of Crystal Lake, Wisconsin; ten grandchildren; eighteen great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; her sister, Mavis Vanderbilt of Prairie du Chien and several nieces and nephews.
Juanita was preceded in death by her husband, Richard “Dick” Vanderbilt, Sr.; granddaughter, Melissa Eastman; great-grandson, William Mink; parents, Charles and Jeannette Hamilton; two sisters, Blanche Klinger and LaVonna Strand and brothers-in-law, Howard Klinger, William Vanderbilt and Ed Strand.
Memorials can be given to Prairie du Chien Hospice, for their amazing care.
There will be a Celebration of Life held from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm on Saturday, May 18, 2024 at Cornerstone Foursquare Church in Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin.
Thornburg-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin is assisting the family with arrangements.