Jacqueline Belschner

Our beloved Jacquelyn Joan Belschner passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Thursday, October 30 at the age of eighty-four after a swift and courageous battle with cancer. She was born on March 20, 1941, in Hibbing, Minnesota, and was preceded in death by her parents, Herbert Richard Olson and Katherine Irene Olson.

Jackie is survived by her husband, the love of her life, Ronald Raymond Belschner of Stillwater, MN, and her daughters: Karen (Dean) Dodson of Lake Elmo, MN; Kirsten (Tim) Spreck of St. Paul, MN; and Kim (Mike) Gavin of Onalaska, WI. Grandchildren Seth (Jen) Dodson, Trevor (Kelsey) Dodson, Caitlin (Scotty) Betty, Shelby (Taylor) Byrne, Chandler Gavin, Connor (Madeline) Gavin, and Sydney Spreck also survive Jackie. Additionally, great- grandchildren Nathan, Marcus, Lucius, Athena, Nova, Ripley, and Lillian including great-great grandchildren Calliope and Wisdom, sisters Jill Perry and SuAnne Olson and lastly, her faithful cats, Keisha and Katie who will miss her tender pets and love.

Jackie met her husband "Ronnie" met at Side Lake's one-room schoolhouse, where Mrs. Claypatch quickly recognized Jackie's potential. Although Ronnie was two years older than Jackie, he lost a spelling bee to Jackie with the word "chocolate." They have shared this story all their lives. Later they realized their love when Ron came home from UND to find Jackie no longer a little girl, she knocked his socks off with her passionate kisses and the rest is history. Jackie would move with Ron from Minnesota to New Jersey, with Karen back to Minnesota, and with all three girls to Connecticut, Southern California, and back to Minnesota following along Ron's 3M career path. In retirement they moved to Sarasota, Florida, then back to Minnesota these past five years. Jackie's life was enriched by family, travel, gardening, golf, and many treasured friendships. The deep and genuine love between their parents profoundly influenced their three daughters, shaping them for years to come.

Jackie will be remembered for the tremendous love of the family she always put first, a dedicated wife, mother, grandmother and a passionate caregiver, who earned her RN degree in Hartford, CT and began a career as an Emergency Room Nurse where her passion for the work made her family extremely proud. Her daughter's futures were shaped by watching their mom earn her college degree later in life and throw herself into her career. In addition to family and career, the legacy Jackie leaves behind is that of an avid reader, talented gardener, beautiful homemaker all a reflection of the beautiful, spirited woman she was. Her infectious laugh and smile with the most amazing dimples will be sorely missed.

The Belschner family would like to extend a warm THANK YOU to Lakeview Hospice of Stillwater, Visiting Angels (truly angels), and the wonderful staff at The Lakes of Stillwater. The care and love received was heartfelt.

We will honor Jackie's life and legacy on Monday, December 1, 2025, at Bradshaw Celebration of Life Center located at 2800 Curve Crest Blvd. in Stillwater, Minnesota. Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM with a service following at 11:00 AM, luncheon to follow at NOON.

In lieu of flowers, Jackie's family would love gifts to go to St Jude Research Hospital at stjude.org an organization she was enthusiastic about.