Jaqueline Dee (Czapla) Van Dyke, 74

Jackie passed away peacefully with her family by her side on Nov. 20, 2020, from COVID-19.

Jackie was born July 25, 1946, to Donna June (Olson) and Steve Chapla, who lived on Edwardsburg Road, Elkhart, Indiana. Jackie attended Elkhart schools and was very active in her high school choir. She spent her college summers working at different summer resorts, Katmai National Monument as a naturalist, skied in the Rockies, visited the New England coast, floated the Grand Canyon, and often went spelunking. She was the oldest of five. She attended Indiana University and received a degree in geology. Her brothers and sisters and parents spent much time traveling, camping and “rock hounding” for illusive gem stones.

Jackie and Benton met while working together at an engineering firm, and where soon married in March 1972. Jackie and Ben spent five years in Alaska and moved to Montana in ’75-’76. They built a log home and started their family. Jackie’s green thumb nurtured many plants along. Jackie sewed garments with perfect stitching and matching patterns — patches, button holes, buttons, pleats, anything, she could do. Jackie built wood projects, crown molding, picture frames, wooden Brio trains, modern marble games, shelves, cupboards and bluebird houses in the winter to put out in the spring. For 60 years Jackie cooked and baked delicious meals for her family. Often substituting different ingredients and later in her life specializing in gluten-free meals. Another accomplishment of hers was learning the fine art of silversmithing, making unique jewelry out of her collection of gem stones she had gathered over the years, often with her father.

Jackie had an insatiable desire to know the truth. She fought and won a battle with an employer in Alaska over gender equality. She searched and found truth in Christian theology. She researched news of the day and “quotes.” She spent years looking for her grandfather’s lost history, and this led to two trips to Poland. She wrote and published a biography of her father titled “Steve’s story.” She researched the records for the Martin family (Ben’s side). The last research project was to read, listen and analyze the new current events. Jackie collected small turtles, marbles, music, children’s books and toys, and musical instruments. Her biggest collection was precious gems, minerals, jewels, rocks, stones, fossils, boulders, handmade jewelry, sand and dirt. She collected sand from the West to the East Coast, including from Churchill Downs and other countries as well.

Jackie was a charter member of the Glacier Chorale, Mountain-Airs and sang in the Northridge Lutheran Church Choir. Jackie had perfect pitch and rhythm. She had a great appreciation for classical music and operas just as her grandfather Martin Olson did.

Jackie tested positive for COVID and spent the better part of three weeks fighting for her life. She succumbed to this horrible virus surrounded by her husband, three children, and son-in-law.

The immediate family held a small service at Northridge Lutheran church. They are planning to have a memorial service later in the spring or summer when extended family and friends will be able to gather; to be announced.

Memorials can be given to Lutheran World Hunger, in care of Northridge Lutheran Church.

Jackie is survived by her husband, Benton; her children, Thomas Martin, Jonas Michael, Elsa Marie Hoon and Nathaniel Ray Hoon; her grandchildren, Samson Jacob Hoon and Silas Reagan Bennett Hoon; her brothers and sisters, Dennis Chapla, Bryan Chapla, Lauretta Shiya and Donna Hardy; numerous other nieces, nephews, cousins, and other family members.