Jacqueline Merri Wildgen, 90
Jacqueline Merri Wildgen passed away on Good Friday April 19, 2019, in Kalispell. She was 90.
Jackie is survived by three sons, Mark, Jay and Kevin, daughter Stasia, six grandchildren Kelsey, Kevin, Ali, Mariah, Blake and Claire, one great-grandchild Paisley, and her brother Jerry Hanson.
Born in Appleton Village, Minnesota, Sept. 6, 1928, Jackie was the eldest of three children born to Dr. Vernon M. and Birtha “Birdie” Hanson. Jackie spent her childhood through high school years in Appleton until attending the University of Minnesota where she followed the footsteps of her father, a dentist, studying dental hygiene.
Jackie met her husband, John Jerome Wildgen, while working at Yellowstone Park’s Old Faithful Inn. Both Jackie and Jerry had summer jobs there as they completed their schooling. While in Yellowstone, Jackie and Jerry became lifelong friends with the Goulds. This friendship resulted in George and Jerry starting a career-long family medicine practice in Kalispell in 1954.
Jackie raised her family primarily in the home known as 691 Grandview. This property is now part of Flathead Valley Community College. Jackie loved the college and is very happy to know that the home where she lived much of her life is now a part of that institution.
Jackie’s primary passion was the church and its community. She stayed involved in every aspect she could as a Eucharistic minister, a youth educator and, most of all, a devout parishioner.
Other passions of Jackie were an enthusiastic love for the outdoors, golf, skiing and hiking. Glacier Park, to her, is one of God’s most wondrous creations. Jackie knew most everything there is to know about the park and served as a volunteer park ranger.
In 1986 an unfortunate ski injury on Big Mountain changed how Jackie would enjoy those passions. Jackie persevered, learning a new golf swing and doing all she could to remain mobile. Time changed her abilities, but not her drive. On her 90th birthday Jackie ventured into Glacier Park with her four children to once again share her appreciation for this beautiful place. Glacier Park is the place where peace and serenity abounds.
Because of her love for the park, we will always have this magnificent landmark to remind us of Jackie’s beauty, love and grace.
A rosary for Jackie will begin at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 4, followed by a Memorial Mass at 11 a.m., both at St. Matthew’s Catholic Church in Kalispell.
The family suggests memorial donations be made to either St. Matthew’s Catholic Church or St Matthew’s School.
Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for the family.