Jacqueline L. Waite

Jacqueline Louise Waite, age 76, of Iron River, MI, passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 20, 2024, embraced by her family with so much love, laughter, and tears. She was born on March 12, 1947, in Iron River, MI, the daughter of the late George and Jane (Rivard) Gehlhoff. She graduated as a Stambaugh Hilltopper in 1965. Jackie married Johnnie Waite July 12, 1969, at St. Cecilia Catholic Church of Caspian. They resided in Milwaukee, WI, for a number of years and returned to Iron River in 1973. They celebrated their 45th wedding anniversary in 2014. Johnnie preceded her in death on February 15, 2015. She worked at WIKB for a number of years and with her husband at First Financial Insurance Agency. Jackie was a member St. Agnes Catholic Church of Iron River and the Altar Society. Her greatest love was spending time at Stanley Lake with her children, grandchildren, and family. She was the Captain of Stanley Lake and was the best mom, grandma, sister, aunt, and friend. She made everyone’s life better. Jackie is survived by her loving children, Luke (Barb) Waite of Luxemburg, WI; Sara (Darin) Long of Iron River, MI, and Erin (Josh) Franz of Crystal Falls; grandchildren, Olivia Abts, Kailee (Marcus) Celello, Daniel Franz, Avrie (Hunter) Lindeman, Audrey Franz, and Addison Franz; brothers, David (Jean) Gehlhoff and Kenny (Maria) Gehlhoff; sister, Judith Thier; sister-in-law, Sharon (Lee) Surrett; many nieces and nephews; and very best friend, Barbara Stockero. She was also preceded in death by her brother, Ronald Gehlhoff; sisters, Joan Marcell and Julie Esbrook; and in-laws, Kenneth and Lillian Waite. Visitation will be held on Friday, February 2, 2024, from 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Jacobs Funeral Home of Iron River. Funeral services will follow at 3 p.m with Deacon Terry Verville to officiate. Interment will be in Stambaugh Cemetery. The family suggests memorial donations to Aspirus Hospice Crystal Falls, 1328 US Hwy 2, Crystal Falls, MI 49920. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Jacqueline L. Waite, please visit our flower store.