Jacqueline “Jackie” Gustafson, passed away peacefully in her sleep at the age of 56, on March 12, 2019 in Surprise, AZ. She was a long time resident of St. Michael, MN, an avid golfer, a Transportation Logistics Manager at 3Wire for many years, and an incredible women who bravely fought an 8-month battle with Lung Cancer.
Jackie was born in Minneapolis, MN on December 11, 1962. She was raised in a family of 6 children, by Dick and Lois Johnson, who instilled the importance of hard work, respect and love, from day one. The Johnson family was a close-knit group, and you rarely found the siblings arguing or fighting with one another. As an athlete and self-proclaimed tomboy, Jackie would spend hours with her dad, working on her tennis swing or perfecting her free throw shot. As she got older, she used that same determination in many areas of her life, which is evident in her persistence and success in the career and hobbies she pursued.
Jackie had a knack for making everyone feel welcome, loved, and envious of her infectious smile and natural golf swing. Athletic and competitive, Jackie played many sports throughout her life, including tennis, softball and she even snuck onto the boys traveling soccer team as a teenager. It wasn’t until a little later in life when her husband, knowing it’d allow him to play more, convinced her to try golf. It took some practice and a few lessons from a golf pro, and then she was hooked. With just a few years of experience, she clinched a Club Championship at Cedar Creek Golf Course. She was a true competitor at heart.
Speaking of competition, Jackie was an expert in the sport of baby-holding. She had the innate ability to seek out the babies and children at a gathering, and draw them in immediately. “Jack Jack” could lull a crying baby to sleep in seconds, put a huge smile on the most anxious kiddo’s face, and was typically cuddling her grandnieces and grandnephews before taking off her coat and shoes (as long as her daughters didn’t get to them first).
If you were to ask her what her greatest accomplishment in life was, without a moment of hesitation, it would be the family she created with the love of her life, Tom Gustafson. Jack and “Gus” met at the age of 15, when they attended a graduation party, and ended up playing against each other in ping-pong. Naturally, Jackie and her partner won, and as he walked out of the room, Tom knew there was something special about her. They were married in 1985, at the age of 22, and quickly started a family of their own. They brought 3 incredible daughters into the world, and raised them to be strong, independent, brave and feisty women, just like their mother. She used any opportunity with family, friends, coworkers, etc. to bring up her family, and share how proud she was.
Jackie was the epitome of strength in the trying days she’s faced, and she did so with grace, love and the perfect amount of sass. She will live on in the hearts and minds of the countless people she loved, and will never be forgotten.
Survived by husband, Thomas; daughters, Meagan, Katie and Erin; parents, Richard and Lois Johnson; siblings, Craig (Cindy), Sandy (Les) Steinberg, Thomas (Mary), Robert (Cheri), and Julie (Tim) Hadden; many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.
Memorial service will be held on Friday, March 22, at 11am at St. Michael Catholic Church, 11300 Frankfort Pkwy NE, with visitation one-hour prior, and luncheon following the service. Wake will be held on Thursday, March 21, 4-8pm at the St. Michael Peterson Chapel, 300 Main St N. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to the Park Nicollet Frauenshuh Cancer Center, who took incredible care of Jackie throughout her cancer journey.
I am so sorry for Jackie’s cancer and the battle she bravely fought. My thoughts and support are with the Gustafson family and wish you peace and healing.
My sincere condolences go out to Jackie’s family and friends. Jackie was one of the people I enjoyed most during my years at 3Wire. I will be praying for peace and comfort during this time as you grieve the loss of one beautiful soul! May you Rest In Peace sweet Jackie.
It was truly an honor to know and work with Jackie these last 17 years. We always had the best conversations and I will miss that the most. My love and prayers go out to her family.
Beautifully said. Jackie was a true gem. Prayers for peace and comfort to you all.
I will be there in spirit and be thinking of all of you, holding you in my heart and prayers. Praying for peace.
I knew Jackie all her life. I will miss her beautiful smile and personality. I find myself unable to find the words to fully express the sorrow I feel for losing Jackie as well the sorrow I feel for her family. Thus, I can only say I will miss her but never forget her. My love to the family.
So incredibly saddened to know Jackie has passed. What a beautifully written obituary. She truly left her legacy on this world. That beautiful smile and great gusto for all adventure in life will be hard to forget. May the peace of God be with you all as you journey this new pathway until she reaches out her hand to welcome you all home again… peace to her memory.
Prayers to all!!! Jackie will be with us with every golf swing we take ????????
I knew Jackie very well throughout High School. My memories of her was that she was always and forever HAPPY, what a smile.
Her wit and charisma were infectious.
The world lost a good one, but God has her by his side.
Thinking of you all everyday – what an amazing family and wonderful woman Jackie was. She’ll never be forgotten. She was definitely one of those people who could make a huge impact on you with just a smile or short conversation. Love to all!
Jackie was a bright light in an otherwise dim room. She was tough, yet gentle and kind. She was smart, wise, and forever loved. I will miss her so much as will all her family and friends.
Sorry for your loss.
Jackie was always nice to me. We’ve been in contact thru messenger.
I have to teach tonight, unable to attend.
Blessing’s to Tom and family.