Jacqueline Schwenke

Jacqueline Laura Schwenke, 70, of LeClaire peacefully entered eternal life on Saturday, June 16 at Clarissa C. Cook Hospice House in Bettendorf due to complications of ALS/Lou Gehrig’s disease.  Throughout her life and during her struggle with ALS, Jacki was the embodiment of strength, courage and perseverance.  Her strong faith and loving family carried her through her final year.  When they all came together and were able to care for her and enabled her to remain at home until a few hours before her passing.

Visitation services will be held from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church in LeClaire (200 S. 12th Street) on Friday, June 22, 2012.  A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday June 23, 2012 at First Presbyterian Church in LeClaire. A luncheon reception will follow in the church Fellowship Hall.  Burial will be held at a later date.  Arrangements are in care of McGinnis-Chambers Funeral Home, Bettendorf, Iowa.

Jacqueline Laura Brenner was born in Davenport on February 24, 1942 to Virgil and Helen Brenner of LeClaire.  Jacki was a graduate of LeClaire High School and extremely active in sports throughout high school, earning many varsity letter and pins for basketball and softball.  She married John W. Smith in 1962.  During this time, Jacki was employed by The Rock Island Arsenal.  In 1975 she married Charles H. Schwenke of LeClaire.  Together they raised five children John, Stephen, Gregory, Angelika, and Anthony.

Jacki was an extremely active member of First Presbyterian Church in LeClaire serving as an Elder and on multiple committees.  Feeling that education was a very important aspect of one’s life, Jacki was a strong supporter of The LeClaire Library and a mentor in Partners in Reading with area youth.  She was a very active bowler, playing in multiple bowling leagues and tournaments with her mother and sister-in-law.  Later in life, she found a new sporting passion in golf.  Jacki was able to not only make two hole-in-ones, she also created great memories on the courses with her close friends.   Being a modest lady, she would never speak of these and those bragging rights were exercised by her loving husband.  She was a past member of the Lioness Club of LeClaire.  A trooper throughout her life, Jacki was always happy to accompany family and friends on long trips where her laughter would fill the car.  She loved working in flower beds and spending time watching the beautiful view from their river home.

Personifying love and compassion, Jacki was always happy to lend a shoulder for people to cry on while offering comforting words.  Her caring nature was shown when she helped nurse her mother during her struggle with Alzheimer’s disease.   Jacki never spoke a bad word about anyone, firmly believing in the inherent goodness in all.

The true passion in Jacki’s life was her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchild.  She would be the first to join them for a game of miniature golf.  Even though her skill level would have allowed her to sweep the course, she would always allow them to win and found joy in their laughter and smiles.  Her grandchildren and great-grandchild can take comfort in knowing that their biggest supporter and cheerleader is watching them from above and gleaming with pride.

Survivors include her husband Charles and four children:  John of LeClaire; Stephen of LeClaire; Angelika of Fort Hood, Texas;  and Anthony of LeClaire.  Six grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

She was preceded in death by her previous husband John W. Smith, son Gregory, parents, and sister Barbara.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials are made to First Presbyterian Church of LeClaire, The LeClaire Library, or the Quad Cities MDA Chapter.

She will be greatly missed by not only her family, but all those whose lives she touched.