Service Details
A memorial celebration of Jackai’s life will be held on Tuesday, September 12, 2023, 11:00am, at Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home and Crematory, 4600 County Line Road. Visitation will be from 10:00am until the time of the service.
Jackai had requested that guests dress casually for her service.
Memorial Suggestions
In lieu of flowers, memorials have been directed to the family.
Jacqueline Louise Szuhai, known to all as Jackai, 77, passed away unexpectedly at her residence on August 29, 2023. She was born in Racine on April 30, 1946, daughter of the late Steve and Romayne (nee: Hegeman) Szuhai.
Jackai graduated from Washington Park High School in 1964. She attended Racine-Kenosha County Teachers College and graduated from University of Wisconsin – Whitewater with a degree in education. She was an EMT for the Somers Fire Department for many years. Jackai worked for Racine County for over 30 years. She worked in the detention center, social services, and finally retired as a Parks Department Manager.
Jackai bred, raised, and rescued Alaskan Malamute puppies at Wolfsong Kennels. She authored the book, “The Trail to the Iditarod Trail”. She enjoyed showing the dogs, running in sled dog, and weight pulling competitions. Jackai also was a black belt in Judo. She will be missed tremendously by all her family and friends.
Jackai is survived by her sisters, Kay Ross, Beth (Donald) Szuhai-Goll, Alice Szuhai; nieces and nephews, Lori Ross, Glen (Debbie) Ross, Sally (Jim) Weede, Robert (Nancy) Garbo, Liz (Dennis Noe) Giese; great nephew, Christopher Ross; great niece, Robin Graham; longtime caregivers, Tim Nelson and Becky Leonard; all of her “lunch bunch” family; other relatives and dear friends too numerous to mention.
In addition to her parents, Jackai is preceded in death by her sister, Shirley (Jack) Garbo; brother-in-law, Kenneth Ross; and nephew, Greg Ross.
A memorial celebration of Jackai’s life will be held on Tuesday, September 12, 2023, 11:00am, at Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home and Crematory, 4600 County Line Road. Visitation will be from 10:00am until the time of the service. Jackai had requested that guests dress casually for her service. In lieu of flowers, memorials have been directed to the family.
The family would like to extend a heart-felt “Thank You” to Tim Nelson and Becky Leonard for their many years of support and for being excellent caregivers to Jackai during her time of need.
Judy Obuchowski says
Loved sitting and talking to Jackai
Anonymous says
condolences to family. I had surgery today or would have been there. Hugs
Leila Daniels Phelps says
A sweet, funny always sunny friend! Quiet until you asked about her day! I’m sure she’ll be missed by many.. my condolences to family and friends.
Rest in Peace Jacki
Gloria Contreras says
Jackai saved my life the winter of 2014. I was locked out of my home in -14 degree weather and I was outside for way too long. I walked to her house and her dogs alerted her that I was outside and she brought me in. I will always be thankful for her. God bless her and her family.
Richard "Dick" Roblee says
Distance and time will not take away the great memories that I have about Jackai. Whether it was working the dogs or building fences or just hanging around. After I moved out west our contacts were fewer, but when we did talk on the phone or I was able to get back to Wisconsin, it was as if no time had passed.
She was a good lady and a great Malamute breeder. She will be missed.