Obit: Gest, Jacqueline (1935 - 2018)

Transcriber: Robert Lipprandt
bob@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Barb, Ball, Burki, Gest, Purdy

----Source: The Ladysmith News (Ladysmith, WI) 10/13/2018

Gest, Jacqueline “Jackie” (Barb) (24 FEB 1935 - 9 OCT 2018)

Jacqueline “Jackie” Gest entered the promise of eternal life through Our Lord Jesus Christ on Tuesday, Oct. 9, 2018 in the peace and presence of her beloved husband and two daughters at Sacred Heart Hospital in Eau Claire.

Jackie was born at home in Indianapolis, Ind. on Feb. 24, 1935 to Cecil Barb and Florence (Purdy) Barb. The family moved to Saginaw Mich., and later to Baton Rouge and Shreveport, La. She was the youngest of six children. While growing up, she enjoyed dancing, playing baseball, basketball and barrel racing in the rodeo. She graduated from St. Vincent’s Academy and went on to business college.

She worked as a secretary for an eye doctor and a lawyer, then later at a bank. When she was 18 she met the love of her life Allen Gest while he was in the Air Force stationed in Bossier City, La. They married on April 1, 1955 at St. Catherine’s Catholic Church in Shreveport. After he was discharged, they moved to Mukwonago, where Allen is from and later to East Troy. They enjoyed their marriage, made a great team and many wonderful memories. They had four children.

In 1973, Jackie went back to school and became a CNA and later a nursing secretary. She worked at New Berlin Memorial Hospital for over 16 years. She loved her job and often worked double shifts to help out. The patients were important to her; she was sure to put them at ease. She made special friendships with her co-workers and many of the doctors. In 1978 she became a grandmother and was over the moon. She fell in love with each grandchild. Nothing satisfied her more than simply spending time with family. She never passed up a chance to help someone, and she never asked for anything in return except for a hug (that she would say are so good for your health). She also never passed up a chance to have bottomless cups of coffee and long chats full of advice that you could take or leave. You never doubted where you stood with her, she would tell you like it is. Many appreciated that. She treasured her family and wonderful friendships. She was very jovial and full of life, always rocking and singing to someone’s baby.

She never met a stranger and welcomed everyone, often giving others a home if they needed it.
In 1997 she and Al retired to Ladysmith, where she volunteered at Rusk County Memorial Hospital for several years. She also enjoyed volunteering in the community by reading to elementary students, for the Kinship program, for Heart of the North Gospel Ministries and helping at many church functions. She also enjoyed attending church, Bible studies and belonging to two Red Hat groups. She was an avid reader and collected mystery books and enjoyed music, plays and older movies. She spoiled each dog and cat she had over the years. One of her favorite things to do was to travel to visit her beloved cousins in Birch Run, Mich. She looked forward to those yearly trips wanting to plan the next as soon as getting home from one.
She left this Earth loving others and with Jesus in her heart and would want the same for everyone else. She will be tremendously missed by family that loved her dearly. Rest in God’s Peace beautiful Jackie, we will all miss your love, hugs, kisses, singing, wild laughter, generosity, and spark. Thank you for all you gave to our hearts. We will do our best to follow your example.

Jackie is survived by her beloved husband, Al Gest of Ladysmith and all her pride and joys. This includes her daughter, Janice Gest of Delevan, her son, Steven Gest of Ladysmith, her daughter, Cheryl (Anthony) Ball of Chetek and her daughter, Alana (Daniel) Burki of Ladysmith. She is also survived by her grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and very special cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Florence and Cecil Barb, and her siblings, Don, Bill, Wallace, Janice and Bernerd.

There is a funeral Mass planned for 11 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 10 at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church in Ladysmith with visitation to begin at 10 a.m. A lunch will follow at Ladysmith Church of Christ in Ladysmith on Menasha Avenue. There will be a time of sharing your best memories. All monetary gifts to the family will be given to Harvest of Talents for Rusk County for those in need and also to OLS school for religious education in her honor.

Nash Jackan Funeral Home has assisted the family.