May 21, 1931 – January 31, 2026
Junita Elvira Leslie, 94, formerly of Clear Lake, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 31, 2026 at Goldfinch Estates in Fairmont, Minnesota. She died from natural causes surrounded by her loving family.
A funeral service will be held at 11:30 AM on Wednesday, February 11th, 2026, at Clear Lake United Methodist Church with Pastor Luke Evans officiating. Visitation will be held from 10:00-11:30 AM prior to the service. The service will be at 11:30 and a luncheon will be served after the service. A private family burial will take place at Estherville East Side Cemetery on February 12th.
Junita was born on May 21, 1931, in Estherville, Iowa, the daughter of Fred and Vera (Ritterholz) Nauss. She attended and graduated from high school in Estherville in 1949. While in high school, she loved being a majorette twirling her baton in the marching band. Junita was crowned Miss Estherville in 1946.
After high school, she attended junior college for a time and was hardworking with several jobs. She was a carhop on roller skates, worked in the hospital laboratory, served as a phone operator, and then as a bank teller in Estherville.
After meeting Walter Leslie at a roller-skating rink in Spencer, Iowa, destiny took hold. Upon first sight, Walt said he was going to marry that girl – and he did. On August 7th, 1955, Junita married the love of her life. Together they welcomed four children. After living in Everly and Graettinger, they made their home in Clear Lake, Iowa. Walt taught Junior High School Social Studies while Junita spent her early years caring for her home and family. As the children grew older, she returned to the workforce, working at Clear Lake Bank & Trust, initially as a bank teller, then as an administrative assistant to the Vice President. She later became the office manager for Old Northwest Insurance Agency where she remained until her retirement.
Junita was deeply involved in her community. She was an active member of the Clear Lake United Methodist Church where she belonged to the Methodist Women. She loved her time in P.E.O., along with belonging to the Faculty Wives and Booster Club. She served as a Brownie Girl Scout leader and volunteered at Oakwood Care Center.
Junita loved to travel both within the United States and internationally. Her journeys took her to many countries, including her favorites of Greece and Italy. Walt and Junita enjoyed several cruises together with their friends. After retirement, they spent 23 years wintering in their home in Bella Vista, Arkansas. They loved golfing and playing cards with their new and old friends. This second home is a treasured memory of many visits for their children and grandchildren. In her quieter moments, she enjoyed cross-stitching, crocheting, card clubs, adult coloring books, and truly loved being with her family.
She is survived by her loving husband of 70 years, Walter Leslie; her children, Jim (Karen) Leslie of Maple Grove, MN, Valerie (John) Stratton of Ankeny, IA, Deb (Paul) Baldus of Fairmont, MN, and Susan Leslie of Ankeny, IA; her grandchildren, Michael Leslie, Kelly (James) Lundberg, Leslie (John) Gookin, Lauren (Hannah) Stratton, Dustin Baldus, Josh (Mollie) Baldus; great-grandchildren, Andrew, Reagan, Milo, Austin, Isabelle, McKenna and Ryland; her brother, Jerry Nauss; and many cherished friends and extended family.
Junita was preceded in death by her parents, Fred and Vera Nauss.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed in care of the family and will be later used to honor Junita’s memory.
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