ROCKFORD — Jacquelyn “Jackie” Lee Krahenbuhl, 80, of Rockford passed away Friday, March 10, 2017, with her devoted husband, Alan, of 62 years, holding her hand, following a long and challenging journey with dementia.  Jackie was born March 3, 1937, to Guyon and Helen McDowell in Zielgler, a small town in Southern Illinois of which she had many fond memories.
Jackie met her future husband Alan “Curly” Krahenbuhl at the Dairy Queen in Rochelle, Illinois - they were married on June 20, 1954.  Family was very important to Jackie and she will be missed by her five children, Victoria (John) Saunders of Rockford, Melanie Guse of Rockford, Karla (Carl) Bloom of Chesapeake, VA, Lisa (Mitch) Lee of Lincoln, NE, and Alan (Stephanie) Krahenbuhl of San Diego, CA.  Jackie also leaves behind her true pride and joy, her grandchildren, “adopted” step-grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Kyle Peck, Noah Saunders, Beth (Gary) Hague, Emma and Karra, Andy (Darcell) Saunders, Jaleel, Adam, Jernie and Joey, Peter (Kim) Guse, Daniel Guse, David Guse, Jessica Bloom, Justin Bloom, Brandon Morris-Lee, Bryce (Sarah) Lee and Sophia, Sadie and Braydon, Alexandra Lee and Alan Lee.
Jackie was a woman of great passion, love and fierce determination.  With Curly by her side, they achieved their goal of leaving their children better off than they were.  She valued education and because neither she nor Curly were able to complete high school, she made her children’s education a priority – all five graduated from high school and three went on to obtain college degrees.  This legacy continues as all of her grandchildren are college graduates or are currently in college; including three that will graduate this spring.  Because of her passion and determination, Jackie completed her GED and obtained an Associate’s Degree from Rock Valley College. 
Her home was often a safe-haven for many other children; she opened her home to numerous friends of her children and other family member’s children, providing a place for them all to live and flourish.  She was a woman of faith and loved her Lord and Savior.  She taught confirmation for many years and was a mentor and advocate for many who sought her counsel in their own faith journey.
She also had a love of gardening, designing and creating beautiful homes; she and Curly created a unique and successful partnership which included remodeling and building beautiful custom homes throughout Rockford. Friends also played an important role in Jackie’s life as lunches would last all afternoon as they laughed until they had tears running down their faces. Her enthusiasm and ability to sincerely relate to others, even strangers that she just met, will be deeply missed by all whose lives she touched.  Her many passions and loves have been and will continue to be passed on to many.
Jackie also leaves behind her loving sister, Ayn Masilko of Beaverton, Ore., and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her parents; her niece, Theresa Maskilko; her husband’s six brothers and sisters and their spouses.
We are extremely grateful for the tender and loving care and the many caregivers and nurses at Anam Care, her home for the last three years, and to Heartland Hospice who provided the added care and support she needed in her last year of life.
We would like to give special thanks to her nurses, Jen, Lori and Janis at Anam and Becky with Heartland, Majagony, Meagan, Paula, Ashley and Brittney, her devoted caregivers, and to her hospice Chaplin Maureen for her faithful visits, prayers and heavenly singing.
Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, March 17, in Delehanty Funeral Home, Ltd., 401 River Lane, Loves Park.  Visitation also from 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday, March 18,  with service at 11 a.m. at the funeral home.  Burial in Lawn Ridge Cemetery, Rochelle. 
Visit delehantyfh.com.