"To Jackie's family - I became friends with Jackie when we worked together at Mark-It Foods. We shared an apartment in Winona for a short time - many fond memories. She was a joy to be around always and was such a good person. My heart goes out to all of you at this difficult time "
In loving memory of
Jackie Gabbert
March 31, 1958 - July 6, 2019
Jackie Gabbert age 61 of Winona, MN passed away on Saturday July 6, 2019 at Sugarloaf Senior Living Memory Care Unit after a lengthy battle with early onset Alzheimer's. She was surrounded by her loving family and friends.
Jackie was born at the Linton Hospital in Linton, ND the oldest daughter of Jake and Marlene Walther. She moved with her family to Moorhead, MN at a young age and attended elementary school there. In 1971 her family moved to Winona where she continued her education at the middle school and graduated from Winona senior high in 1976.
While still in high school she began her working career in the health and beauty aids department at Mark-It foods in the Winona Mall eventually becoming a cashier. She continued working in retail first at Midtown Foods and then for sixteen years at Mills Fleet Farm. She finished her working career at Altra Federal Credit Union.
In December 1978 she married Greg Gabbert at St. Mary's Catholic Church. After their marriage they became members of the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart and she participated in the Eucharistic Adoration Chapel. She also enjoyed helping with Cathedral fest each year.
Jackie is survived by her husband, Greg; daughters, Melissa (Christopher) O'Hara; Cherilynn Gabbert and her fiancé Chris Duffenbach; her beloved grandchildren, Vianna O'Hara, Parker O'Hara, and Sophia O'Hara; her mother, Marlene Walther; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her father, Jake Walther and her sister, Cher Benson.
Following Jackie's wishes she will be cremated. A Christian prayer service will be held at 11 a.m., Wednesday, July 10, 2019 at Hoff Celebration of Life Center, Goodview, led by Funeral Celebrant Jodi Heim. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until the time of the service. Online condolences may be left at www.hofffuneral.com. Interment will be at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Preston, MN at a later date.
A memorial is being planned for the Alzheimer's Association (ALZ.org) to hopefully bring an end to this terrible disease. Hoff Celebration of Life Center, Goodview, is assisting the family.
Tributes
"Jackie will be missed by many. She had a bubbly personality that brought a smile to everyone who interacted with her. Prayers to you. Cheryl Wilma"
"Very Sorry to hear the sad news of Jackie's passing. We met in high school, many years ago, but more recent we would see each other at Fleet Farm. she was always smiling and so helpful. my heart goes out to the family at this diffcult time. "
"Marlene and Family - I am so sorry to hear about Jackie. She was a very special. Jackie and I got to know each other in High School. After that, when our paths would cross, it was like we picked up where we left off. I am so sorry to hear about her illness, at such a young age. Jackie's dad, Jake and I, worked together at Watkins for years. He was a special person as well. Hopefully, we will all find some comfort in knowing that all three of them, Jake , Cher and Jackie, are watching over us from heaven. Take Care - Lynn Matejka Zielke"
"Gregg and family, we are so sorry to hear of the loss of your beautiful kind Jackie. She was one of the kindest most beautiful person I have ever met. I remember her kindness and visits to my mother as she battled cancer. Those visits meant so much to her. She certainly left a beautiful mark on lots of people's lives with her loving and kind heart. God be with all of you! "
"Greg and family, I am so sorry to hear of Jackie?s passing and did not know you were going through this. You have a lovely family and so many great memories of happier days. Sending hugs and prayers. Jeanie Cosgrove LaFavor"
"Greg & family, I am sorry to hear this sad news. Sending my sympathy, hugs and prayers to your family at this difficult time. Deb (Benson) Bauer"
"Greg and family, I am so sorry to here of your loss of your wife and mother. I know the past year was hard for all of you, but you handled it with grace and dignity. I hope that your faith will carry you through this time of sorrow as well as knowing many people care about you. Take care my friend. Rick Czeczok"
"Sending our love and sympathy at this difficult time. "
"Our condolences to your family. Jackie was a beautiful lady inside and out. Her laughter & smile were contagious. Peace to all of you during this difficult time. Melissa & Cory Feine"
"Marlene, so sorry to hear about Jackie. Such a hard time for all of you, but yet peaceful knowing she's with her dad and sister. I'm out of town during the memorial. Take care - Ronda Hanson "
"So sorry for your loss. Jackie was a dear Friend to us. She was always so kind and caring. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her. We were blessed to have had her in our life. Love, Sue & George"
"I met Jackie back in 2009 at water aerobics always smiling and always caring my deepest sympathy to Jackie s family
Vicky Haessig "
"Jackie had a very special aura surrounding her all the time. Caring sensitive...it was a pleasure being with her during our days working at Fleet Farm. So fun to be around. Jackie would talk so highly of Greg and her daughters often. She is going to be missed by many people in Winona area who knew her and her beautiful aura!! Linda Kiedrowski"
"I am so sorry for your loss Greg. Though I didn't know Jackie, I always heard wonderful things from Marlois and Barbie. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. "
"Dear Greg and family, My heart is broken after hearing this news. Jackie was the most kindhearted person that I could've ever met after we moved from Ely to Winona. and God surely blessed me with her friendship. I kept her in my heart not only as a great co=worker and friend but also a role model. I lit a candle for her in church this morning ....I am so sorry and God Bless all of you"
"Dear Greg and girls, I was so saddened to hear of Jackie's passing. She was always such a sweet and positive person. I remember the fun we all had in those days at Mark-it foods (where you two met). She will be missed. With much fondness and sympathy, Diane Hoseck"
"So very sorry to hear this. Jackie was a high school classmate. She will be remembered by many in Winona for her kindness."
"I?m so sorry! Jackie was such a sweet person. My heart breaks for all of you. Please know that you are in my thoughts. Hugs to you all!"
"Greg my deepest sympathies to you and your family"
"Jackie was one of the kindest & sweetest people I knew! We'll miss her laugh, smiles & hugs!
Love you dear friend, Chris & Harley"
"My deepest sympathy to the Gabbert family and to you Marlene. Jackie was a sweet person."
"I can truly say that Jackie was one of the sweetest people that I have ever known. She always had a ready and genuine smile. I will miss her and your family has my deepest sympathy. Marlene, you are in my thoughts and prayers."
"Jackie was a dear friend and neighbor. She was always anxious to do whatever she could to make things better for others. Even after her illness had manifested itself, when she saw us or when she called, she always wanted to know if there was something she or Greg could do for us. We will miss her ready smile and her cheery message, "Remember, if there is anything we can do, just let us know." The illness she suffered is a terrible disease and as much as we will miss her, we are grateful that her struggles are over and that she is home with Our Father.--Ellen and Gary Evans"