Jacqueline "Jackie" Wilson

Jacqueline L. Wilson had a fighting spirit that was fueled by the love of family. Outgoing and personable, she lived life to the fullest through hard work, dedication and devotion. Jackie could be counted on with a helping hand and loving heart. Her love and the beautiful memories she leaves behind will continue to be a bright light in the lives of those who knew and loved her.

Jacqueline’s story began when news of the day was primarily dominated by World War II after a long period of economic struggle. The D-Day invasion on the beaches of Normandy in 1944 along with the Battle of the Bulge later in the year left unforgettable scars on the hearts of many. However, major technological advances came to fruition along with the advent of unforgettable stars of the big screen which helped ease the tremendous load carried on the home front. On March 5 of 1944, Alfred and Lulu (Williams) Platz of Cadillac, Michigan had reason to celebrate when they welcomed the birth of Jackie into their loving arms.

Growing up in the rural community of Mesick near Cadillac, Jackie’s father worked in the logging industry while her mother was a homemaker. The second of five children, the family made their home on a large parcel of land complete with outdoor plumbing. No stranger to work hard, Jackie learned early on the value of her efforts. She actually loved it and later in life, her resiliency would shine bright. Wonderful childhood memories and adventures were shared by Jackie and her siblings, especially times being pulled by their horse and sleigh in the winter. She attended Harrietta Elementary School and later graduated from Mesick High School in 1961.

A beautiful young woman, Jackie became interested in the world of cosmetology and went on to attend beauty school in Cadillac. After graduating, she headed to the big city of Grand Rapids, Michigan in search of work. The move to Grand Rapids not only produced a job for Jackie, but true love when she least expected it. A little neighborhood girl set Jackie up, so to speak, with a handsome young man named Bob Wilson who lived a few houses away. Before long they were introduced. Their first date took place in Bob’s parents apple orchard where they walked and talked the night away. When Bob gave Jackie a sweet goodnight kiss, “it sealed the deal for her” in what would become a life deep rooted in love, admiration and devotion.

Jackie and Bob sealed their commitment in marriage three months later on November 9, 1963 in Cadillac. They spent their honeymoon in Grand Rapids where they lived in an apartment during the first years of marriage. Bob supported his lovely bride with work at a golf equipment manufacturer while Jackie continued to work as a beautician. They later purchased their first home on Valley and Richmond. In 1966, the couple was blessed with the birth of their son Rob followed by Greg in 1967. Their beautiful daughter Candace came along in 1975 and son Joel completed their family in 1984. Jackie relished her role as mother and devoted her time and talents to her family.

Over time, they moved to 24th Avenue in Marne with plenty of room to roam. Joyous holidays were spent together and fun filled summers made for lasting memories at their cottage on Wabasis Lake where boating was enjoyed by all. The kids had motorbikes and as a family they enjoyed snowmobiling. Always filled with laughter, friends of the kids often hung out at their home where everyone was welcome. Members of St. Mary’s of Marne Catholic Church, Jackie had a deep, private faith. Tragically, Jackie and her family suffered a great loss when Jackie’s son Rob was killed in an auto accident on Alpine Avenue in 1988.

The resilience Jackie learned at a young age allowed her to continue on. She knew others needed and depended on her strength. Typical of Jackie, she went out of her way to help others, and did so with a loving and gracious heart. Her hard work ethic was evident in her beautiful gardens. Her time gardening and landscaping their property was truly Jackie‘s joy. There she found peace and contentment while putting forth physical and artistic abilities. She even dug a pond in the backyard, landscaping it into her own private oasis where she spent many tranquil moments.

A likable woman, Jackie‘s outgoing and friendly nature made it easy to call her a friend. A great cook, her mashed potatoes and homemade gravy were always a family favorite. Over the years, Jackie continued to work as a hair stylist and did so out of her home. Eventually, she began bookkeeping for Bob’s golfing supply business, and he credits her knowledge and skill for the success of his business. Bob preferred not to travel, but they did enjoy a few trips to Florida. In 2006, Jackie and her daughter Candace spent an unforgettable time on a cruise. The best of friends, the time together only strengthened their bond as mother and daughter.

Jackie never asked for much and was easy to please. She loved peanuts and as long as she had popcorn at night while watching Desperate Housewives or American Idol, she was content. She preferred country music and enjoyed some of the oldies as well. She and Bob enjoyed going to car shows together, but she was truly in her element going to flea markets and garage sales. Her greatest joy came when surrounded by her grandchildren whom she loved and cherished. Always willing to baby sit, they brought much joy and pleasure to Jackie’s heart.

In 2003 Jackie was diagnosed with breast cancer and approached her treatment aggressively. After five years, Jackie was given a clean bill of health in April of 2009. It was a big relief for the family until an MRI for a small lump on her back revealed an invasive tumor on her brain. Following 15 treatments, another MRI showed it had spread throughout her body. Never once did she complain or question her fate, but relied wholeheartedly on her faith. When the fight became too much, Jackie peacefully went into the arms of her Lord, Jesus Christ on Tuesday morning, November 10, 2009 at the age of 65. She will be sadly missed and fondly remembered.

Jackie is survived by her beloved husband of 46 years, Bob; children: Greg and Alina Wilson, Candace and Mark Andersen, and Joel Wilson; grandchildren, Hayley, Hannah, and Alex; siblings, Butch and Gerrie Platz, Joey and Ken Bosch, and Mike Platz; brother-in-law, Raymond and Helene Wilson; sister-in-law, Rita Rozelle; and many nieces and nephews. Along with her son Rob, she was also preceded in death by her parents, Alfred and Lulu Platz and by a brother, David Platz. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 AM Friday, November 13, 2009 at St. Mary’s of Marne Catholic Church. Friends may visit with her family on Thursday from 2-4 and 7-9 PM at Heritage Life Story Funeral Homes, 2120 Lake Michigan Dr. NW. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to Spectrum Health Hospice would be appreciated. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to submit a favorite a memory or photo of Jackie and to sign her online guest book.