Elda Juhnke

Elda Juhnke, passed on peacefully at the age of 104, September 22, 2025, at Brookstone Acres in Columbus.

Memorial services will be held on October 13, 2025, at 10:30 am at McKown Funeral Home with Pastor Adam Lassen officiating.

Elda was born on a farm southwest of Scotland, SD on May 19, 1921, to George and Magdalena (Heihn) Suess. She was the 12th of 9 brothers and 4 sisters.   She was baptized and confirmed in the Ebenezer Christian Reformed church and attended country school with her siblings.  After the tragic death of her father, her family moved into Scotland, SD.  She worked as a doctor's assistant at the Scotland Clinic and often told stories about this rewarding experience.  Elda was a caregiver to many of her nieces and nephews. She continued this giving spirit throughout her life especially as a member of Salem United Church of Christ Women's Fellowship and Sunday school teaching staff.

In 1948, she married Edwin R. Juhnke from Alexandria, SD.  They lived in Parkston, SD where they owned and operated a successful men's clothing and family shoe store, "Ed's Toggery". They had two daughters Kathleen and Lona.

Elda moved to Columbus NE near her daughter in her 80's.  Having lived at Prairie Village, Heritage Meridian Gardens, and Brookstone Acres, she met many wonderful caregivers and residents.  She loved winning at bingo, listening to live music, crafts, therapy dogs, and visits from new friends.

She is survived by daughters Kathy Leischner of Columbus, Lona Neumayr (Thomas) of Colorado, grandchildren Grant Leischner (Mykin) of Omaha, Rob Neumayr (Tara) of St Louis MO, Andy Neumayr (Rosa) of Salt Lake City UT, Jessica McCulley (Matthew) of Alexandria VA, Tyler Neumayr of Colorado, Abbie Oran (Jacob) of Columbus and 10 great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by parents and siblings Hugo Suess, Reuben Suess, Arther Suess, Emil Suess, Alvin Suess, Martha Winckler, Clara Schlechter, Harold Suess,, Edmund Suess, Esther Suess, Loren Suess, Alton Suess, Ella Bertrand.  Kenneth Leischner, son-in-law.