Musician and retired deputy clerk of courts, Jacqueline K. Krenik, age 76, of Hudson, WI, passed away on September 9, 2024 in her home. She was surrounded by her loving family, who continue to honor her shining legacy by living their lives to the fullest. She was born on November 26, 1947 in Linton, North Dakota, to parents Frank and Lucille (Kuhn) Richter. She graduated from St. Anthony Catholic School in Linton in 1965. She completed her Bachelor degree in sociology at the College of St. Benedict, St. Joseph, Minnesota, in 1969. Jackie married her college sweetheart Paul Krenik. They were blessed with three children and recently celebrated their 56th wedding anniversary.

In 1985, Jackie and Paul moved their family to Hudson, WI. In her professional pursuits, she was a beloved co-worker and valued the lifelong friendships she made. While working at the government center, Jackie was nicknamed the “Sunshine Lady” because she never forgot to celebrate a coworker’s birthday or lead the planning on a retirement party. A skilled pianist, Jackie taught private lessons to aspiring musicians, but her love for her family was her greatest joy, cherishing her role as a devoted wife and mother above all.

An expert gardener and avid reader, she found beauty in nature and wisdom in words. Jackie was an excellent cook who embraced her German heritage and enjoyed introducing different cuisines at family gatherings. The simplest pleasures in life delighted Jackie: the daily crossword, knitting, Bauernmalerei folk painting. Her home was a place of peace and serenity, adorned with her beautiful collection of angels. Jackie was a devout Catholic who found strength in her faith. Her dedication to helping others knew no bounds, exemplified by her remarkable act of donating a kidney to her cousin in a true display of her generous spirit. Her compassion and thoughtfulness touched the lives of many, leaving a lasting impact on all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Jackie will be deeply missed and forever treasured by her husband Paul; children Christine (Sean) Cerone, Paul Krenik Jr., and Nathan (Sarah) Krenik; grandchildren Cecilia Cerone, Natalie Cerone, Alexander Krenik, Quentin Krenik, and an expected Krenik granddaughter; sisters Alene (Roy) Rudy and MaryJo (Dan) Lapp; sister-in-law Cynthia (Mike) Smith; nieces and nephews Alex “Sasha” Smith, Alison Rudy, Erica Rudy, Dane Rudy, Christian (Olivia) Lapp, and Braden Lapp.

Jackie is preceded in death by her parents Frank and Lucille; infant brother Gerry; special aunts Sister George, Sister Dora, Sister Daniella, and Sister Alene, along with many other aunts, uncles and cousins.

A Mass of Christian burial for Jackie will be held on Friday, September 13, 2024 at St. Patrick Catholic Parish in Hudson, WI. There will be a rosary starting at 10:45 a.m. followed by visitation from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and Mass will begin at 12:00 p.m.