Jacqueline “Jackie” Ann Groe (Walz), age 50 of Otsego, MN passed away peacefully at home after a 2 ½ year battle with metastatic melanoma on Wednesday, May 5, 2021. She was surrounded by her loving family and fur babies as she left this world and was welcomed into her eternal home.
Jackie was born on June 21, 1970 in St. Michael, MN to Elmer Walz & Mary Lou Walz (Schmit). Jackie graduated from St. Michael High School in 1988 and began working for National Computer Systems after graduation. She worked there (now called Scantron) for 33 years, most recently as the Call Center Manager.
Jackie married the love of her life, Scott Groe, on May 24, 2008. She also became a step-mom at that same time to Scott’s son, Ian. She loved these boys with everything in her heart and soul and her life was so enriched by their love for her! They made their home in Otsego, MN where Jackie enjoyed decorating their home, cooking, baking, gardening, drinking wine and hanging out with family, friends and neighbors.
Jackie enjoyed doing things with the people she loved the most: shopping, long drives and talks with Ian; morning coffee, casino trips and special weekend getaways with Scott; puppy kisses and belly rubs with Lillie Lou and Harlie Jo; hanging out at her sister’s house with family and enjoying sister time, pool time, bantering with her brother-in-law and chatting with and loving up her nephews; visiting with her dad; spending time with April, Lincoln and Emmie; playing bingo and shopping with her best friend, Kelly; playing cards and drinking wine with her other best friend, Kim and all of the special things she did with others that are too numerous to list.
Jackie had a way about her, a zest for life, some would say a special recipe that others should follow. Jackie did everything big….she lived big, loved big, laughed big, argued big, hugged big, and gave of herself big. There was always sure to be laughter, fun and a lot of love when Jackie was around. We should all live like Jackie!
Jackie is survived by her loving husband, Scott; devoted son, Ian; father, Elmer Walz (Judy); sister, Jennifer Holterman (Ron); nephews, Kaden Holterman and Landen Holterman; niece, April Neiber (Mike); great nephew and niece, Lincoln and Emery Neiber; Fur babies, Lillie Lou and Harlie Jo; and many other family members and friends.
Jackie is preceded in death by her mother, Mary Lou Walz (Schmit); brother, Barry Walz; her grandparents; and many aunts, uncles and cousins.
A special thank you to Dr. Bryan Trottier and the team at Frauenshuh Cancer Center for the exceptional care of Jackie and especially, for always giving her hope. We are forever grateful for your relentless pursuit of a cure and your compassion and empathy throughout her journey.
Visitation will be held Monday, May 10, 2021 from 4:00 to 8:00 PM with a Prayer service at 7:30 PM at The Peterson Chapel St. Michael-Albertville Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Tuesday, May 11, 2021 at 11:00 AM, with visitation one hour prior, at St. Michael Catholic Church in St. Michael. Burial will follow at St. Michael Cemetery.
Jackie’s service may be livestreamed at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNYqchJzkl1RQhN4bHWczcA
My deepest sympathy to the Groe family. I worked with Jackie at Scantron and a couple of years ago had the pleasure of meeting her in person. She was everything I thought she would be based on the emails we exchanged. Her energy and positive attitude made you want to work that much harder. She was an absolute pleasure to work with and will truly be missed. My thoughts and prayers to the Groe family. May God grant you strength and peace during this difficult time.
Knowing Jackie has been a joy. She was a positive influence and and in all ways a bright spot in my day when I had the opportunity to talk to her.
So sorry for your loss, Jackie will be greatly missed.
Sorry for your loss, I always enjoyed talking with Jackie, she will be missed by many.
Our deepest sympathies to the Groe and Walz families. Jackie was such a great friend to us over the years. We will miss her so very much, but happy for all of the good times we shared together. Jackie, we love you, heaven gained one darn, special angel!
Lots of people come into our lives for one reason or another. But not many leave lasting marks on our hearts like Jackie did. I’m thankful to have known her at all and proud to have been able to call her a friend. I’ll miss you Miss Jackie.
I was ever so blessed to have met Jackie years ago when she came to Omaha to learn the call center operations. Right from the start I knew she was an absolute angel. Over the years I got to know her better through work and also the times I was in the area, I would visit Eagan. What a lady she was. Kind and caring. She had an iron lady exterior. Knew how she wanted things to be, but inside was a gentle soul. I am forever grateful to have had this loving lady and was very fortunate to have known her. Jackie, you will be missed forever and fondly remembered by all. I will never forget you. My sincerest condolences to Scott and Ian and family.
Scott and Ian, may memories of Jackie bring you and the rest of your family comfort and time bring you peace. Jackie was a remarkable lady whose kindness and presence touched many lives. I am so grateful to have met and worked for Jackie these last 4 years.
Scott and Ian, may memories of Jackie bring you and the rest of your family comfort and time bring you peace. Jackie was a remarkable woman whose kindness and presence touched many hearts. I am grateful to have met and worked for her these last four years.
Jackie was a beautiful, vibrant soul with a work ethic and energy that will be impossible to match. She was always willing to help anyone who came to her with a problem and not afraid to speak up if something was unclear. While I never got to meet her in person she was able to cultivate an environment where it felt like we saw each other daily even being hundred of miles apart.
I will miss Jackie dearly and my thoughts and prayers are with her family in the coming days.
I am so sorry she will be missed
So sorry for your loss. Sending prayers to you and your family
Sorry for your loss. Jackie was on of the good ones.
To Jennifer and family,
So sorry for the loss of your dear sister. I know you will be missing her forever. Hold on to your memories and great times you shared as they will never fade. My thoughts and prayers are with you!
My thoughts and prayers are with the Groe & Walz families who are feeling Jackie’s loss most dearly. You should all know how loved and admired Jackie was by her co-workers, even by those of us who never worked directly with her. She was the very best, and we will never forget her. God Bless.
My condolences to Jackie’s family. I had the pleasure to work with Jackie for 15 years at NCS Pearson and Scantron. She was always professional, always let common sense lead the dialog, and always addressed every situation with kindness and understanding. Jackie was respected by everyone in our company and by all of our customers that interacted with her. We certainly need more “Jackie’s” in this world – she was a very special person indeed!
I was saddened to hear of Jackie’s passing. Every visit to the office in Eagan included a stop by Jackie’s office for a visit and a lot of laughs. A truly lovely person who I am grateful to have made friends with. God bless her always.