of Buffalo, MN
October 23, 1939 – September 6, 2026
Visitation
Thursday, September 10, 2026
4:00 – 7:00 p.m.
The Peterson Chapel – Buffalo, MN
Mass of Christian Burial
Friday, September 11, 2026
11:00 a.m.
with visitation continuing one hour prior to the Mass
St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church – Buffalo, MN
Entombment
St. Francis Catholic Cemetery – Buffalo, MN
Jacqueline Mary (Kruger) Mead was born to Walter and Pauline (Goodnature) Kruger on October 23,
1939 and entered eternal life on September 6, 2026.
She was raised a farm girl on the family farm near Alden, Minnesota until the end of her second
grade. The family then moved to a farm near Dexter, Minnesota, where Jackie attended and
graduated from Elkton High School.
The caption under her yearbook picture states: “Her Friendly smile and loving heart make up.
one swell gal”. That seemed to follow her through life because every club or organization to
which she belonged she became an officer or held a leadership role and earned many
memorable rewards.
Her teaching degree from Mankato State University took her to Mapleton, Minnesota, where
she met George who took a teaching position at Mapleton because “Jackie”, whom he knew,
was teaching there. Jackie did not know him until they met at Mapleton. Their meeting
blossomed into a marriage that took them to Mound, Minnesota, where they started their
young family and George taught school.
They eventually moved their family to a hobby farm in Buffalo, Minnesota. George commuted
to Mound for 35 years and Jackie substitute taught at Buffalo Middle School and High School for
over 20 years.
She was a dedicated member of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church for over 50 years,
volunteering in many activities and assisting the school secretary. When volunteering on the
Funeral Lunch Committee, she often referred them as the “The Church Basement Ladies”.
She enjoyed, the variety of animals on the farm, her gardens, eating fresh veggies, volunteering
for various organizations, visits with friends, her card club and many weekends playing cards
and games with family and friends.
There are many empty spots to fill in our lives, but Jackie said “go do what you like and the good
Lord will lead you. Life no matter how long, is too short”.
She is survived by her children: Monica Mead-Lemke; Brian Mead; Craig (Cathy) Mead; Brent
Mead; Alison (Pat) Schmitt; Sister Rita (Marty) Patten; Sister-in-law Marilyn (Dale) Roth;
Grandchildren; Cassandra (Jeremy) Heath; Cameron (Clara) Mead; Jessica Anderson & Amanda Poff; great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
Monica and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Your Mom was such an amazing person. The times she was in our facility at Lake Ridge Care Center was so special. No matter her condition she always took time to see how everyone else was doing. She was just like a Mom to everyone here.
I loved her and your Dad so much. They were a special couple. Our resident cat, Shadow, that we used to have here loved them both so much as well. I don’t think Jackie ever knew a stranger, she treated everyone like they were a friend. It was such a privilege to know your parents and an honor to get to care for them.
She brought so much warmth, love, and joy to everyone she came in contact with. Her memory will always be treasured.
May your family find comfort in knowing how loved she was and special. Her soul will live on forever.
I pray for comfort, peace and love for your family.
Love to you all,
Laura Oleson
laurao1968@gmail.com
Monica and family,
Sending my sincere condolences.
Mead family, my sincere condolences. Mom was on my mind as I was trying to call her. WE always had such nice visits. My prayers for all of you. love marypeters
Sorry to hear of your loss. Your mom was sweet person and always so cheerful. Prayers & love to you all. RIP Jackie.