Juanita A. Pitterle

Juanita A. Pitterle, 89, of Watertown, died on Thursday, June 4, 2026, surrounded by her family at her home.

Juanita was born July 13, 1936, in Watertown, the daughter of Michael “Hilly” and Ida (Rickerman) Higgins. She married Duane C. Pitterle on September 13, 1958, at St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church in Johnson Creek.

Juanita was a 1952 graduate of Johnson Creek High School and in 1956 graduated magna cum laude from Wisconsin State College in La Crosse, WI.

Juanita had been a Red Cross swimming instructor in Watertown for several years and taught physical education and history in the Berlin, WI public schools and Watertown public schools.

Juanita was a member of St. Henry Catholic Church, CCD teacher, and a member of the Parish Council. She enjoyed long walks, either alone or with good friends Phyllis and Geri, gardening, biking, tennis, swimming, skating, and cross-country skiing.

Juanita is survived by: her husband of almost 68 years Duane; children Diana Pitterle, Sara Pitterle, Leah (John) Leighty, Donna Pitterle, Todd Pitterle, and Benjamin (Amy) Pitterle; grandchildren Emma (Jesse), Nate and Julia and their father Max, Logan and Megan, and Erika; great-grandchildren Hannah, Micaela, and Clara; siblings Muriel (Paul) Talda, Doloris (Richard Braddee) Higgins, Mark Higgins, Peter (Veronica) Higgins, and Bill (Diane) Higgins; and sisters-in-law Shirley Higgins, Connie Higgins, and Lurae Bohn. Juanita is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Juanita is preceded in death by her parents, daughters Christine, Sheila, Tina, and Paula, and siblings Michael Higgins, Ida Trimborn, Patrick Higgins, and Bruce, Brian and Mary in infancy.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, June 11, 2026, at St. Henry Catholic Church of Watertown with Fr. David Drefcinski presiding. Visitation will be held from 10:00 AM until the time of service at the church. Juanita will be laid to rest at St. Henry Catholic Cemetery following the mass.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation would be appreciated by the family.