GERALDINE MEARTZ

Jackie Meartz, age 90, passed away at her home in Neenah on Sunday, October 5, 2014 with her loving family by her side. She was born on July 19, 1924 in Appleton; daughter of the late Arthur and Esther (Lowenhagen) Werner. Jackie graduated from Appleton West High School in 1942. She married her high school sweetheart, Russell Meartz on May 4, 1946. Jackie was very proud of the fact that her wedding dress was made from Russell's parachute that saved his life after his plane was shot down over Germany in WWII. She was a long time member of Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Neenah and was quite active in church, serving as an officer on the board, treasurer, as well as helping with bible studies, missions and the varsity alter guild. She was also a leader in the Brownies and Girl Scouts for many years. Jackie was a loving, dedicated mother to her three children and loved her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Jackie also enjoyed reading, knitting, crocheting, tending to her tremendous collection of dolls, plates and figurines which were mostly angels and going to her and Russell's Kelly Lake cottage up north and visiting friends there. Jackie will be deeply missed by her husband of 68 years, Russell Meartz, Neenah; children: Paul (Sue Ann) Meartz, Park Rapids, MN, Sue (friend, John Van Oudenhoven) Jurgenson, Larsen, Sally (Allan) Blazek, Kelly Lake; grandchildren: Kate (Garrett) Bladow, Andrew Meartz, Joe (Lindsey) Jurgenson, Jeff Jurgenson, Angela (Chad) Rabas and Sheila (Randy) Fisher; great-grandchildren: Zoe and Jeremiah Meartz, Chaela and Adrena Rabas and Trevor and Molly Fisher; sisters-in-law: Jan Werner and Carol Wilson and brother-in-law, Gale (Marion) Meartz. She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, David Werner; sister-in-law, Carmen (Norman) Pope and son-in-law, Peter Jurgenson. A funeral service for Jackie will be held on Thursday, October 9, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. at Our Savior's Lutheran Church, 809 S. Commercial St., Neenah. The Rev. Catherine A.K. Mode will officiate. Family and friends may visit at the church on Thursday from 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. Entombment will take place in Greenlawn Memorial Park, Neenah. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund is being established in her name.