Juana Elba Chrisman

Juana Elba Chrisman, born on July 16, 1929, in Chuquicamata, Chile, passed away peacefully at home in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on June 24, 2026, surrounded by her family. 

Juana lived a full and meaningful life. She was a single mother raising her daughter, Natacha, when she met the love of her life, Gerald "Jack" Chrisman, through pen pal letters. After a brief courtship, the two were married in Santiago, Chile, on December 21, 1968. At the age of 39, Juana left her homeland with Natacha to begin a new chapter in the United States alongside Jack. Juana and Jack welcomed their daughter, Maggie, in 1970 as they began building their life together in America. Over the years, the family lived in several communities before eventually making Milwaukee, Wisconsin, their permanent home. 

As Jack completed graduate school, Juana worked a variety of jobs to help support their young family before eventually establishing a career as a professional seamstress, a profession she faithfully continued until her retirement. 

Juana was the devoted and nurturing matriarch of her family, always making certain those she loved were comfortable, cared for, and well fed. Cooking was her love language. She believed no visitor should ever leave her home hungry, and preparing meals became one of the defining expressions of her love and generosity. Her treasured family recipes, passed down through generations, trace their roots to the mid-1800s and remain one of the enduring gifts she leaves to her family. 

The family extends a special acknowledgment to her sister, Tatiana, and her niece, Patricia, who traveled from Chile to be by her side during her final days. 

Juana was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Gerald "Jack" Chrisman. She is survived by her daughters, Maggie Benavides (Jodee) and Natacha Castro; her grandchildren: Jeannie Maldonado (Eleazar), Geraldo Castro, Leonides Benavides (Brittney), Raul Benavides, and Jacquot Benavides; her great-grandchildren: Antonio Maldonado, Natalia Maldonado, Israel Martinez, Flora Benavides, and Athena Benavides; and her great-great-grandchildren, Mateo Cruz and Sebastian Cruz. 

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, August 1, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the Chapel of Roses in Arlington Park Cemetery, located at 4141 S. 27th Street, Greenfield, Wisconsin 53221.