Jacquelyn Kay Walker was born March 7, 1943 to Roy and Alta (Carver) Walker of Dawson, IA. The youngest of the 4 Walker girls grew up on the family farm where two horses—a mare named Lady and a foal named Skyla –played a prominent role.
Jacquie played varsity basketball for Dawson and Perry in that unique 3 on 3 Iowa format. She earned letter jackets from both schools which are among her most prized keepsakes. She always claimed they could have beaten the boys’ basketball team in a 3 on 3 matchup. She blamed her bad knees on her basketball career but had no regrets. The Dawson and Perry reunions were held this year which Jacquie enjoyed immensely.
She graduated from Perry in 1961 and moved to Minneapolis sharing a beach house with her roommates on Lake Calhoun. Her work career began at Flour City, an architectural metals firm that helped build the IDS tower. Eventually she began working at Aslesen’s, a restaurant supply house where she met some of her lifelong friends. She also met her future husband, Mike Ryan, as they both worked in the computer room. One thing led to another and they were married on February 17, 1979.
Jacquie and Mike began married life in an apartment in Minneapolis. They later moved to Inver Grove Heights and then to Eagan. She made friends at each stop along the way. After Aslesen’s, Jacquie worked at Knox Lumber’s home office which later became Payless Cashway’s Lumber after the buyout.
This was a busy time in her life holding down a job and keeping up a household. Jacquie always made time though to entertain her nieces and nephews during the summer, hosting them for several days a year. Trips to Valley Fair, water parks, and the zoo are still talked about at family gatherings. These gatherings were very important to Jacquie because it gave the cousins time to get to know each other as they grew up miles apart.
In 1997, Jacquie took on her pet project to build a new home in Jordan. She helped design a house based on multiple plans she had acquired over the years. The result was a home she took pride in, feathering the nest with home décor till it was just right. She was known as a good cook and used her new home to host game feeds and holiday bashes. She enjoyed the country life and the small town atmosphere Jordan provided.
She also loved hunting dogs, especially the pointing breeds. Her favorites were German Shorthairs and Brittanys. She raised three litters of Brittanys over the years and took pride in their accomplishments on the trial circuit. She was especially proud of her two-time champion, Agnes.
Jacquie worked at the local Farm Bureau office downtown which provided a great opportunity to meet Jordan’s citizens and make new friends. Eventually, she joined the local coffee crowd where she enjoyed learning about Jordan’s history. Jacquie was always bringing home a story from these Monday and Thursday gatherings. After 14 years, she considered herself one of the old timers in Jordan.
Jacquie and Mike celebrated many special anniversaries together, but Jacquie was especially fond of their 25th wedding anniversary. They celebrated this milestone in 2004 by hosting family and friends to dinner and a sleigh ride at the OK Corral. It was a very special evening with a grand turnout.
Jacquie passed away suddenly on October 22 in her home where she always wanted to be. Her generous spirit and kind heart will be missed by all.
Celebration of Life service will be held on Wed, Oct. 26th at 11 AM at Ballard Sunder Funeral Home in Shakopee, MN with visitation from 9:30 until 11 AM.
arrangements by Ballard Sunder Funeral Home, Shakopee, MN
