Irene Jacqueline Damrow Wilson

Monday, November 18, 2019

Irene Jacqueline Damrow Wilson

Feb. 11, 1927 - Nov. 15, 2019

BENKELMAN, Neb. — Irene Jacqueline Damrow Wilson was born on Feb. 11, 1927, to William George and Ethel Irene Shaw Damrow in Benkelman. She grew up on the Ough farm and attended school at St. Paul’s Lutheran School through the eighth grade and then graduated from Benkelman High School four years later with her teaching certificate.

Jackie met Burdette Wilson when he was employed by her father to be his hired man. They were married on Aug. 4, 1946, and to this union five children were born, Laddie, Alyce, Kathy, William and Richard. Jackie and Burdette raised their children on the farm where they taught them strong work ethics.

Jackie loved working on the farm with Burdette and she was also a substitute teacher. She was always busy learning new and interesting hobbies such as tole painting, crocheting, sewing, ceramics, oil painting, raising chickens, and playing the organ, piano and steel guitar. Jackie was an organist for 50 years. Starting at the age of 12, she either played at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church or Zion Lutheran Church in Benkelman. Jackie had the distinction of being the last remaining survivor of her conformation class from St. Paul’s.

Jackie’s love for Burdette lasted for 73 years. She laughed at everything he said and at all of his jokes (naughty or nice). Jackie and Burdette enjoyed dancing; they attended many dances and card parties. Jackie loved her children, 16 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. She always had a smile on her face and was the kindest, most loving person ever. Jackie passed away Nov. 15, 2019, at the Dundy County Hospital in Benkelman. She was 92 years of age.

Jackie was preceded in death by her parents, Bill and Irene Damrow; sister, Dolores Wilkinson; son-in-law, Charlie Watt; and granddaughters, Katie Watt Bradbury and Kristina Lea Wilson.

Survivors include her husband of 73 years, Dale Burdette Wilson of Wauneta, Neb.; son, Laddie Wilson and wife, Anita of Olathe, Kan,; daughter, Alyce Richard and husband, Alan of Omaha, Neb.; daughter, Kathy Walgren and husband, Rex of Wauneta; son, Bill Wilson and wife, Kim of Benkelman; son, Rich Wilson and wife, Jennifer of Wood River, Neb.; grandchildren, Shari Brubaker, Shana Hlas, Bobbi Kistner, Allyson Campbell, Angela Gulizia, Chris Watt, Carson Watt, Andy Wilson, Shelby Wilson, Suzie Smith, Hilary Wilson, Whitney Wilson, JoHanna Utterback, Tiffany Leonida and Nathan Wilson; grandson-in-law, Clint Bradbury; great-grandchildren, Connor, Cale, Crayton, Mason, Kaitlyn, Jadyn, Landri, Katie, Jackson, Timothy, Jason, Joseph, Libby, Kenzie, Braxton, Iris, Walker, AmaLeigh, Gabriell, Pierce, Lucy and Myriel; and great-great-grandson, Elliott Nebuda.

Funeral services for Jackie will be Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2019, 10:30 a.m. (MT), at Zion Lutheran Church in Benkelman, with Pastor Doug Hjelmstad officiating. Interment will follow at the Benkelman Cemetery at Benkelman.

Visitation is today, Nov. 18, 2019, until 6 p.m. (MT), at Zion Lutheran Church in Benkelman.

Memorials have been suggested to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Wauneta or Zion Lutheran Church in Benkelman.

Online condolences may be left at liewerfuneralhome.com

Benkelman Memorial Chapel is entrusted with arrangements.