Jacqueline J. Stuelke

Jacqueline Joan (Dillin) Stuelke was born on March 7, 1932, to James (J.R.) and Evelynn Dillin in Nevada, Iowa, at the home of her grandfather, E.O. Dillin.  She peacefully left us on Oct. 24, 2023 with her three children at her bedside.  

She attended Nevada schools until her senior year when, in 1949, she married Adrian Wood and transferred to Zearing High School.  They worked her grandfather’s farm for several years until they moved to Marshalltown, Iowa, where she worked at Lennox.  Because of chiropractic care received by Adrian, they moved to Davenport, Iowa, where he graduated from Palmer Chiropractic College in 1960.  They then moved to Clarion, Iowa.  To this union were born four children, Stacy Laverne, James Warren, who died in infancy, Faith Marie, and Scott Bradley.

Jackie had ink in her veins.  She began working as a proofreader at the Nevada Evening Journal when she was 16.  She worked at the Clarion Reminder after her family settled in Clarion.  During that time she graduated from Eagle Grove Junior College with an AA in journalism.  In 1969 she moved to Clear Lake and worked as a reporter, journalist, photographer, and editor for the Clear Lake Mirror-Reporter.  For several years she wrote a lighthearted weekly column titled, “My Thing.”

While living in Clear Lake, she met Dave Stuelke who she married in 1981.  They moved to Hot Springs, Ark., after health issues forced him into early retirement.  For many years they wintered in Mission, Texas, where Jackie directed a theater group.  She founded the first Red Hat Society in Hot Springs and volunteered with Pocket Theater. She was a member Cumberland Presbyterian Church.  During her spare time, she enjoyed reading, writing poetry and humorous skits, music, painting, doing crosswords and watching quiz shows.

After Dave’s death, she moved to Walden Place in Iowa City to be closer to her children and grandchildren.

During her time there she made many friends with other residents and staff members.  Her special feline roommate, DO, held a special place in her heart and is now living with his human “sister.”

Jackie was proceeded in death by her parents, J.R and Evelynn Dillin; one son, James Wood; husband, Dave Stuelke; brother, James Dillin; and one grandson, Adrian Wood.

She is survived by her sons, Stacy (Kate) Wood; daughter, Faith Wood; son, Scott (Kris) Wood; as well as five grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

Her family wishes to thank the Walden Place staff and friends who offered so much help and comfort during her last few months. A special thanks to Iowa City Hospice who provided excellent care during Jackie’s final days.

Jacqueline requested that anyone wishing to honor her memory contribute to Iowa City Hospice or a “No Kill” animal shelter near them.