Kerry K. Juvonen

Kerry (Podboy) Juvonen, 71, of Wausau, Wisconsin, passed peacefully from this world on the morning of January 31, 2026, receiving her long-awaited and complete healing in the presence of her Savior, Jesus Christ.

Kerry was born on November 2, 1954, in Waukegan, Illinois, the beloved daughter of Dorothy Podboy and the late Raymond Podboy. She was raised in a close-knit family alongside her sisters and brothers and cherished her family’s rich Slovenian heritage. During elementary school, Kerry and her siblings were invited by neighbors to attend a local Baptist church and Camp Grow—an experience that laid the foundation for her lifelong faith in God.

Kerry possessed a vibrant and compassionate spirit. She graduated from Evanston Hospital School of Nursing in 1975 and devoted her professional life to caring for others as a registered nurse. She served patients at Victory Memorial Hospital in Waukegan, Illinois, and later at Wausau Hospital.

On December 15, 1979, Kerry married the love of her life, Anders “Andy” Juvonen. Their marriage of 46 years was marked by faith, devotion, and a deep commitment to family, serving as a steady anchor throughout her life. After a brief time in West Allis, in 1980 Andy and Kerry settled in Wausau, where they raised their three children: Laura, Ellen, and Erik.

Grounded in her faith, Kerry lived out her beliefs through active involvement in both her church and the community. She was a gracious hostess who delighted in bringing friends, family, and neighbors together—often around meals lovingly prepared in her home. Kerry was a deeply engaged and devoted mother. She loved the Lord and intentionally encouraged her children’s faith, guiding them to know God through church life and Bible camp. She also volunteered regularly in her children’s classrooms and faithfully supported their academic, musical, and athletic pursuits.

Music was a lifelong passion and constant joy for Kerry. She played piano, flute, and French horn; sang in choirs; and filled her home with music. She faithfully nurtured this love in her children through piano and drum lessons, voice instruction, and choir participation. Time spent with her sisters was often marked by spontaneous harmonies—especially “Sisters” from White Christmas. Kerry also had a love for the outdoors and an adventurous spirit. She enjoyed swimming in lakes, exploring the woods with her children in every season, cross-country and downhill skiing, and spending treasured time at the Podboy family cabin on Rock Dam Lake and the Juvonen cabin on Presque Isle Lake.

In 1992, at the age of 37, Kerry was diagnosed with glioblastoma, stage IV brain cancer, and given a grim prognosis. Against all odds, following surgery and treatment, she miraculously entered remission and was blessed with nearly 34 additional years of life. Each day with Kerry was a testimony to God’s grace and healing power and a source of hope to those who knew her. She set an extraordinary example of what it means to trust God and live joyfully. Her smile, laugh, and goofy sense of humor brightened the lives of many. When people noticed her arm in a sling or the limp in her step and asked, “What happened?” she would playfully reply, “You should see the other guy.” Though she experienced lasting physical limitations that eventually left her reliant on a wheelchair, she met each day with gratitude, grace, and quiet determination, rarely complaining.

Kerry and her family made many lasting memories over the years. Most recently, she cherished time spent with her faithful husband, Andy, family, and friends. She especially delighted in regular outings to Laura’s home, where time with her grandchildren brought her immense joy and pride.

Kerry will be remembered for her steadfast faith, joy in the face of adversity, contentment, and enduring love for her family. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her, and her memory will remain a lasting blessing to those whose lives she touched.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the many caregivers who compassionately cared for Kerry throughout the years, most recently the dedicated staff at Wausau Manor and Aspirus Hospice. They are also deeply thankful for the loyal friends and family members who faithfully visited, encouraged, and supported Kerry—walking alongside her and her family through every season of her life with love, prayer, and kindness.

Kerry was preceded in death by her father, Raymond Podboy; her father- and mother-in-law, Alex and Margaret Juvonen; and her nephew, Karl Bodnar.

She is survived by her husband, Anders Juvonen; her mother, Dorothy Podboy; her siblings: Betsy (Mike) Lonchar, Scott (Christine) Podboy, Tina (Dale) Laughner, Jonathan Podboy, and Amy Podboy Reynolds; her sister-in-law, Angela Juvonen; her sister- and brother-in-law, Annette and Ken Bodnar; and many nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

Her legacy continues through her beloved children: Laura (Adam) VanNoord, Ellen Juvonen, and Erik Juvonen; and through her adored grandchildren: Edan, Charlie, Annika, Luke, Silas, and Reuben VanNoord.

A celebration of Kerry’s life will be held on March 21, 2026, at Restoration Church, 2125 Franklin Street, Wausau, Wisconsin. Visitation will begin at 2:00 p.m., the memorial service at 3:00 p.m., with a dinner to follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Kerry’s name to Monk Botanical Gardens of Wausau, WI at Monk Gardens Donations. The family will select a bench and planting in her memory. This is the woods Kerry and Andy used to walk through together with their children.