Jackie Hemeleski, 81, Wausau, daughter of the late Thomas
and Beatrice (Allerley) Smith, succumbed to cancer and dementia on Saturday,
December 1, 2018, at North Crest Assisted Living Facility in Stevens
Point.
Born and raised in the Wausau area, she graduated from D.C.
Everest High School, and had worked as an IBM operator at Wausau Insurance.
Jackie's first marriage was to Jim Ruechel, and had a son
together before separating. On July 31, 1971, she would marry her true love,
Albert Hemeleski, and they would spend life together until his passing two days
before their 46th wedding anniversary. They also had a son together.
Jackie enjoyed traveling with her husband, Al, and some of
their favorite places included Branson, Missouri, to see all the variety shows,
or visiting her brother and sister-in-law in Arizona. Being an animal lover,
she had many dogs and cats as pets through the years who brought much joy. You
could catch her not only feeding her cat, but a lot of the neighborhood pets,
too, including the outside critters. It would be unusual to see an animal with
a smaller belly than hers, since she loved caring for them. Jackie also enjoyed
playing sweepstakes and other contests, and although she always claimed not to
be much of a cook, she hands down made the best barbecue. Lastly, she loved her
two children very much, whom one preceded her in death due to heart
complications since birth. In fact, her husband and she had to file bankruptcy,
as they had to make ends meet running as far as Minnesota for appointments to
make sure he received proper care while working to pay medical bills.
Jackie joins her beloved husband, Albert; son, Craig; and
was the last of the four siblings, Dennis (Grace) Smith, Joanna (Kenneth)
Stoltz and Tommy (Rosalie) Smith. She leaves behind one son, Wayne Ruechel of
Wausau; and two grandsons, Jesse (Melissa) Rozmarynowski of Madison, and Gregg
Ruechel of Wausau; along with three great-grandchildren.
A special thanks goes to everyone who provided love and care
for her these last few months. Visitation and luncheon will be Friday, December
7, 2018, 3-5 p.m. at the John J. Buettgen Funeral Home located at 948 Grand
Ave, Schofield. For online condolences, please visit www.HonorOne.com.