Jacqueline Eunice Grimbol

Jacqueline “Jackie” Eunice Grimbol graciously passed away on Labor Day. It seemed appropriate, as her last months on this earth were certainly brutally hard work. She had suddenly found herself unable to walk, needing dialysis three times a week, and confined to a nursing home she just could never call HOME. Jackie was a graduate of Washington Junior High School and Horlick High School. She started her working life with her beloved Dr. Robert Scheller, when she was just eighteen years old. She served four decades as a devoted medical receptionist—for several different doctors. Jackie never married, or had the children or family she so deeply longed for, but she certainly gave love to her family and her friends. For many of her cousins she was a beloved aunt, and to all she will be remembered as a kind caring woman with abundant compassion. Jackie was her mother’s daughter through and through, a woman of extravagant love and mercy. Jackie was preceded in death by her Mom and Dad, Hedy and Lenny Grimbol, and her best and dearest friend in life, the late Rita Perkins. She is survived by her brother, Bill, her nephew, Justin and his wife, Heather, her good “buddy” Darlene Commodore, and a most adored aunt, Marcella Hjortness. She will be cherished in memory by many other good friends and family members. Bill especially wishes to acknowledge the care and competence of the nursing staff at Lake Shore Manor, and the helpful assistance of good friend Carrie Jensen, Brenda Stickland, Sis Brook of Magic Scissors, and Annie Zembruski-- all of whom made Jackie’s last months a good bit easier. Bill also wishes to highlight the special bond between Jackie and Cousin Kai Nelson. Kai kept close to Jackie over the years, called often, visited when he could, made her laugh, and gave her a shot in the arm by reminding her just how much she had meant to them as children. Suddenly losing your apartment, friends, mobility, freedom and control, is truly a traumatic event. Jackie struggled every day to accept her condition – but she just could not do it. She was caught between not wanting to die and not wanting to live in her present state. She felt hopelessly stuck. She had good days, and passionately enjoyed every visit, but still, if the truth be told, her death came as a gentle and welcome blessing. Jackie’s memorial service will be held at 4:00 pm at Wilson Funeral Home (1212 Lathrop Ave) on Saturday, September 30, 2017. A visitation will be held from 2:00 pm until the time of service at the funeral home. A private inurnment will be held at West Lawn Memorial Park. If you have ever wondered how to make a difference in this life of ours, pay a visit to someone who is lonely. It will not be easy, in fact it can be hard work, but making someone’s day is a rare and remarkable opportunity, and sure to give your life a dose of meaning and purposeful satisfaction.

Jacqueline Eunice Grimbol

December 7, 1943 - September 4, 2017