Jacqueline "Jackie" Brown

Jacqueline “Jackie” J Brown

At the age of 64, Jackie was dealt two major health battles, at the same time, that would trample the spirits of the best of us.  That is what Jackie was – the best of all of us.  She fought hard, with a smile and continued with her love of laughter, all the way to her end here on earth.  She passed peacefully and exactly how she wished to, on Friday, October 9, 2020.

The daughter of the late Jack and Agnes (Birling) Ahlquist, Jackie was born in Neenah, WI on February 12, 1956.

Jackie was immensely proud of her two sons Thad & Tyler and everything they set out to accomplish.  The bond she shared with each of her sons was nothing short of amazing.  The love, respect and pure joy they had for and about each other was admirable.  She adored her daughter-in-law, Amanda and often introduced her to others as “my angel”.  She loved spending time with her two grandchildren, Haley & Brady, doing whatever they asked “Gramma Jackie” to partake; always ensuring their time included plenty of laughter and that she could always end the day with a cold refreshing Busch Light.  When Jackie was not spending time with her family, gardening or using her endless creativity, you could find her on an adventure with Dave and not often enough, at their favorite place – Gitche Gumee.

Survivors include her sons Thad (Amanda) Brown and Tyler Brown; her treasured grandchildren Haley and Brady Brown; her partner in adventure and laughter Dave Konz;  her sisters Darlene Ranno (Mel Chettum) and Bev Danielson (Dane Trewartha); her brothers Vic (Betty) Ahlquist, Kal (Diane) Ahlquist, Randy (Jo) Ahlquist; numerous nieces and nephews; as well as her father-in-law William Brown; sister-in-law Tammy (John) VandeLoo; and  brothers-in-law Tim & Tom Brown.

Jackie was proceeded in death by her parents; a sister Mary Kirsling; and mother-in-law Marlene Brown.

The family would like to extend a special heartfelt thank you to Jackie’s niece, Amber Runnoe for the countless hours and energy put into helping Jackie, Thad & Tyler navigate the health system through Jackie’s unfortunate whirlwind around it, since May. They would also like to thank Dr. Yao and team at ThedaCare Cancer Center for their compassion and care as well as the staff at Appleton Medical Center and Cherry Meadows hospice.

Please do not be sad for us, rather as Jackie would like to have it, laugh until you cry.  Share all your fun memories.  Remember all the good.  Although she did not live to be 100 like she always wanted to, it sure feels like we have 100 years of memories and laughter to share about her.

A celebration of Jackie’s life will be held on Saturday, October 17, 2020 from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM at Waverly Beach. Please come celebrate Jackie’s life with her sons and family as we toast to her with a beer. Her family asks that you bring along a story to share and if picture if you have one.