Jacquelyn “Jackie” Lavon Eskola Effinger, 84, reunited with her soul mate on August 18, 2021. She was born November 15, 1936 in Duluth to Jack Eskola. She graduated from Morgan Park High School, class of 1954. She met the love of her life, Erwin, while working as a car hop at Richie’s Drive-In. The two married October 9, 1954 and welcomed daughter, Sherry, in 1959 and son, Keenan, in 1960. She worked for Jeno Paulucci as a purchasing agent for many years, and was the only woman at that time to hold a title so prestigious.
She truly was one of a kind and left a lasting impression on those who knew her. She was passionate, independent, confident, and opinionated (and she made sure everyone knew it). She was a proud American and was fiercely loyal to her family and friends. She had a love for music, traveling, wildlife, politics, FOX News, Trump, and freshly ironed sheets. You’d often find her watching the birds each morning sipping her coffee and eating gingersnaps.
She enjoyed spending time with her “Princess,” Chelsea, and the two shared and incredibly remarkable bond. The love in her heart only grew more when her two great-grandsons, Royce and Rhett, were born. They were her pride and joy, and they shared many special memories. She will be deeply missed.
She was preceded in death by her father, Jack; stepmother, Theresa; brother-in-law, Bob; brother, Warren; and her husband and one true love, Erwin.
She is survived by daughter, Sherry (Jerry) Ujdur; son, Keenan (Dana) Effinger; granddaughter, Chelsea (Adam) Upton; great-grandsons, Royce and Rhett Upton; brother, Dennis (Terry) Eskola; half-sister, Kay (Billy) Breeden; brother-in-law, Dean (Donna) Effinger; sisters-in-law, Francine (Dennis) Pitkanen, Joyce Effinger, and Beatrice Eskola; many beloved nieces and nephews; special friends, Lori, Marge and Jean; and her most cherished furry companion, Desi Lu.
Visitation will be held at 10 AM on Wednesday, August 25, 2021 at Sunrise Funeral Home, 4798 Miller Trunk Hwy, with Memorial Service to follow at 11 AM. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Animal Allies or any Veteran Organization.
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