It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Jacquelyn "Jacquie" (Runkel)
Wesenberg, who left us peacefully, surrounded by her family, daughters and grandchildren, on Friday, August 30, 2024, at the age of 73. Jacquie was born on October 13, 1950, in Oshkosh, where she began a life marked by warmth, kindness, and an enduring commitment to family and friends.
On July 11, 1970, Jacquie married the love of her life, Steven "Steve" Wesenberg, with whom she shared 41 wonderful years. Together, they had two beautiful daughters, Jilleen and Colleen, who were the light of their lives. Jacquie was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. She dedicated many years of her career working for the State of Wisconsin as a Dietary Aide, where she made a meaningful impact on those she served. In addition to her professional work, Jacquie volunteered countless hours at Bethel Home and the Otter Street Kids Fisheree, sharing her time and talents to enrich the lives of others. She was a fierce defender of the underdog and those less fortunate, always ensuring they felt loved and valued.
Jacquie was preceded in death by her husband, Steve, in 2011; as well as her parents, Jack and Beatrice Runkel; in-laws, Martin and Janice Wesenberg; brother, Robert Runkel, sister, Carol Hansen; niece, Heidi Hansen; and the unexpected recent passing of her sister- in-law, Debra "Deb" Herson.
She is survived by her daughters, Jill (Matt) Klug and Colleen (Jason) Botterman. One of Jacquie's greatest joys and treasures were her four "grandbabies," Grace and Riley Klug and Sophia and Ava Botterman; brother, William "Bill" Kroll; sister- in-law, Sharon Engel; nephew, Scott Engel (Julie Nikolaus) and his son, Brett; niece, Tricia Engel (Robert Ostertag) and her daughter, Lauren; and nephew, Jeff and Bonnie Hansen and their children Emily, Claire, Margaret (Maggie), and Nicholas. Jacquie is also survived by her brother-in-law, John Herson and his four children, Ainsley Greene (Michael Reddy, her two children, Jordan and Brooklyn Greene), Michael (Brandi), Taylor (Jessie), and Skyler (Melanie Hammond) Herson.
The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the staff at The Residence at Oshkosh for their trust, care, and professional attention to our beloved Jacquie. Special thanks to her friend, Harry LeMay for his companionship and support over the years. A very special thank you to our family friend Carol Deltour, who was a big part of Jacquie's care while her daughters balanced their own families and careers. A special shout-out goes to her best friend, Peggy Miller, for her unwavering friendship along with the family of Jim and Mary Wesenberg. Additionally, the family extends heartfelt thanks to all of Jacquie's friends and her Jerry's family who reached out with support during this time.
Honoring Jacquie's wishes, a small family service will be held, followed by a celebration of life party at Jerry's Bar in Oshkosh on September 14th at 3 pm. Memorials are appreciated to the Otter Street Kids Fisheree or the Oshkosh Humane Society.
Jacquie will be deeply missed, but her legacy of love and kindness will live on in the hearts of those who knew her.