Jacquelyn R. Jostock

Jacquelyn R. Jostock passed away July, 30 2024 in Cedarburg, Wisconsin. She was with her family and under the tender care of the Hamilton House Assisted Living staff. She was 91 years of age.

Jackie had an infectious smile, warm laugh and extroverted nature. She had a sincere interest in others. She emphasized building personal relationships and truly getting to know people. She enjoyed sitting down and having a good “quality” chat with a family member, friend or a new acquaintance. Eager to learn from others’ journey and challenges, while freely sharing her own. As a result, it seemed everybody knew and loved Jackie.

Jackie was born to Florence (Wenzel) and Wilbur Buchholz on July 13, 1933 in Chicago, Illinois. She was joined by her wonderful sister and life long friend Diane, four years later. She grew up in Park Ridge, a Chicago suburb. Jackie graduated from Maine Township High School and Catherine Gibbs Secretarial School. Her first job was as a secretary with Booz, Allen & Hamilton Managing Consultants, working downtown in the Wrigley Building. She was a proud Chicagoan. It was the foundation for her interest in arts and culture, fine dining and sense of style.

Jackie married Richard Gundersen on September 18, 1954 in Chicago. She would say, “he was the love of my life.” They moved to Green Bay, Wisconsin where they raised two children Sally and Steve. Richard worked for Mobil Oil, while Jackie worked as a housewife and part time executive assistant for the Green Bay Public Schools. Jackie was an active volunteer. She helped lead the expansion of Ascension Lutheran Church, was a counselor for special needs children and adults, taught bible study and served as a Girl Scout leader. At the age of 50, Jackie lost Richard to cancer.

Richard’s death was a transformational event. Through her grief, and with two kids in college, Jackie began a mission of life long learning and continuous improvement. She went back to school. She pursued work opportunities aligned to her interests. Jackie devoted herself to keeping up on current events. She read the Chicago Tribune and Wall Street Journal daily, subscribed to multiple news magazines, listened to NPR radio and watched PBS Newshour. She also leveraged her spirituality, focusing more time to the growth and stewardship of Ascension Lutheran Church. Jackie developed an interest in poetry, philosophy and classical music. She kept a personal diary charting her progress, with each entry written to Richard. It served as her way of overcoming adversity and established a foundation for living the rest of her life.

Jackie married Carl Sachse on February 6, 1988 in Green Bay. She and Carl were members of Ascension Lutheran Church. They both shared an interest in travel, taking multiple trips to places across the United States and Europe. Carl died March 4, 1999.

Jackie married Henry Jostock on June 22, 2001 in Barrington, Illinois. Henry was the best man at Richard and Jackie’s wedding, and a long time family friend. Henry had also lost his first two spouses. They were a dynamic couple, loving life and each other’s company. They lived in downtown Chicago and took advantage of all it had to offer. Taking part in educational seminars, concerts in the park, theatre productions and dining at Gibson’s. Jackie considered those great years. Henry died April 2, 2019.

Jackie’s children had the good fortune of being raised by two wonderful parents. Jackie believed the family should always have dinner together at the dinner table. She wanted to share stories or talk about current events. She had a way of instilling personal accountability without micromanaging. Church and piano lessons were mandatory, with everything else being negotiable. As her children became parents, she never interjected her opinion, while being readily available to help when asked. She treated her daughter in law, Lisa and son in law, Dan, like they were her own. Jackie was proudest of the life long bond her children and

grandchildren have formed with one another.

Jackie will be remembered by her grandchildren for the way she made them feel. Everything was better when she was there. She went out of her way to make family gatherings fun and memorable. She creatively found ways to connect with each person. Holding “Grandma Camps,” sending a box of fall leaves to California grandkids or making a big deal over each birthday was typical. She was so excited when she became a great grandmother. Jackie was mesmerized all over again by the joy and love she gained from a growing family.

Jackie’s fondness for family parties, trips to Door County, good chats, sharp wit, hearty laughs, fine food and wine, organization and efficiency, pretty flowers, promptly written thank you notes, constructive pursuit of perfection, style, proper enunciation and hygiene will live on. The way she lived her life is her legacy- treat people with respect, keep learning, be grateful and love all that you have been given. She will be missed by all who knew her.

Jackie is survived by her children Sally Gundersen Arneson (husband Dan), Cedarburg, WI and Steve Gundersen (wife Lisa) Sparta, NJ; grandchildren Sam (wife Steffi) Arneson, Maddie Arneson, Erik (wife Niamh) Gundersen, Anna Gundersen; great- grandchildren Fiona Arneson, Teddy Arneson; sister Diane King; nieces/ nephews Kim Perutz, Missy Brownson, Kricket Porter, David Gundersen, Susan Gundersen, Richard Gundersen

The family will be holding a private celebration of life.

Donations can be directed to either the Door County Land Trust doorcountylandtrust.org or Interfaith Caregivers of Ozaukee interfaithozaukee.org