Obituary for Jacqueline Elaine Chaffee (Huschke)
Jacqueline “Jackie” Elaine Chaffee age 86 of Gaylord, Michigan passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Sunday, November 12, 2023, at Munson Medical Center-Traverse City, Michigan.
Jackie was born February 2, 1937, in Williamston, Michigan, the daughter of Charles Louis Huschke and Agnes Josephine (Smith) Huschke. She graduated from Harrison High School in 1955 and was crowned that year’s Homecoming Queen. Jackie was united in marriage to Mr. Dale Duane Chaffee on August 3, 1956. They were married for 56 years.
Jackie retired from the Clare County Courthouse after twenty-nine years of dedicated service. She worked in the Register of Deeds office and ended her career there as Chief Deputy Clerk. Following retirement she enjoyed part- time work with KD Quikstop and Stocking Funeral Home in Harrison. Jackie attended St. Luke Lutheran Church in Harrison and later the Friendship Church in Gaylord, where she celebrated her strong faith in God. She was a member of Order of Eastern Stars Chapter 408 of Harrison for many years.
She will be fondly remembered for her love of people and animals, generosity, never wavering kindness and infectious smile. She deeply impacted the lives of all those around her. Jackie had an amazing green thumb. She loved flowers and gardening. Her other hobbies included cross country skiing, golfing, reading, preparing meals for her family and friends and baking her famous cookies. After moving to the Brook of Gaylord in the Fall of 2015 she enjoyed the many activities offered there. Some of her favorites were playing a variety of card games, dominos, shopping, casino trips, doing arts and crafts, partaking in Bible study and leading exercise class. She could always be seen enjoying walks with her dog Sophie.
Surviving Jackie are her four children; Kim Chaffee (Peggy) of Harrison, Rosanne Ehle of Harrison, Renata Bowen (Kent) of Gaylord and Tina Rutherford (John) of Jackson, Tennessee. Seven grandchildren; Laura Ehle (Zach Dubrul), Kyle Bowen (Ashley), Angela Bains (Sandeep), Katie Bonitatibus (Tony), Danielle Soet (Sam), Jesse Ehle (Brittany) and Leah Chaffee. Eight great-grandchildren; Sadie Soet, Jackson Bowen, Olivia Bowen, Abram Soet, Harrison Bowen, Hattie Bonitatibus, Surina Bains and Teja Bains, plus many nieces, nephews, extended family members and her beloved fur baby, Sophie.
Jackie was preceded in death by her husband Dale, her parents and four siblings; Charlene Sharp, Irene Jackson, Paul Huschke and David Huschke.
Celebration of Life service honoring Jackie will be held Friday, November 17, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. from Clark-Stocking Funeral Chapel and Cremation Service, with Mr. Ben Evers officiating. A time of gathering and sharing memories will take place on Friday, November 17, 2023 from 11 a.m. until time of service. In addition, there will be a celebration at the Brook in Gaylord taking place Tuesday November 28, 2023, at 1:00pm. To share an online memory or condolence with Jackie’s family, please visit: www.clarkstocking.com. Arrangements and care of Mrs. Chaffee and her family are entrusted with Clark-Stocking Funeral Chapel and Cremation Service (989)539-7810.
Jackie was born February 2, 1937, in Williamston, Michigan, the daughter of Charles Louis Huschke and Agnes Josephine (Smith) Huschke. She graduated from Harrison High School in 1955 and was crowned that year’s Homecoming Queen. Jackie was united in marriage to Mr. Dale Duane Chaffee on August 3, 1956. They were married for 56 years.
Jackie retired from the Clare County Courthouse after twenty-nine years of dedicated service. She worked in the Register of Deeds office and ended her career there as Chief Deputy Clerk. Following retirement she enjoyed part- time work with KD Quikstop and Stocking Funeral Home in Harrison. Jackie attended St. Luke Lutheran Church in Harrison and later the Friendship Church in Gaylord, where she celebrated her strong faith in God. She was a member of Order of Eastern Stars Chapter 408 of Harrison for many years.
She will be fondly remembered for her love of people and animals, generosity, never wavering kindness and infectious smile. She deeply impacted the lives of all those around her. Jackie had an amazing green thumb. She loved flowers and gardening. Her other hobbies included cross country skiing, golfing, reading, preparing meals for her family and friends and baking her famous cookies. After moving to the Brook of Gaylord in the Fall of 2015 she enjoyed the many activities offered there. Some of her favorites were playing a variety of card games, dominos, shopping, casino trips, doing arts and crafts, partaking in Bible study and leading exercise class. She could always be seen enjoying walks with her dog Sophie.
Surviving Jackie are her four children; Kim Chaffee (Peggy) of Harrison, Rosanne Ehle of Harrison, Renata Bowen (Kent) of Gaylord and Tina Rutherford (John) of Jackson, Tennessee. Seven grandchildren; Laura Ehle (Zach Dubrul), Kyle Bowen (Ashley), Angela Bains (Sandeep), Katie Bonitatibus (Tony), Danielle Soet (Sam), Jesse Ehle (Brittany) and Leah Chaffee. Eight great-grandchildren; Sadie Soet, Jackson Bowen, Olivia Bowen, Abram Soet, Harrison Bowen, Hattie Bonitatibus, Surina Bains and Teja Bains, plus many nieces, nephews, extended family members and her beloved fur baby, Sophie.
Jackie was preceded in death by her husband Dale, her parents and four siblings; Charlene Sharp, Irene Jackson, Paul Huschke and David Huschke.
Celebration of Life service honoring Jackie will be held Friday, November 17, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. from Clark-Stocking Funeral Chapel and Cremation Service, with Mr. Ben Evers officiating. A time of gathering and sharing memories will take place on Friday, November 17, 2023 from 11 a.m. until time of service. In addition, there will be a celebration at the Brook in Gaylord taking place Tuesday November 28, 2023, at 1:00pm. To share an online memory or condolence with Jackie’s family, please visit: www.clarkstocking.com. Arrangements and care of Mrs. Chaffee and her family are entrusted with Clark-Stocking Funeral Chapel and Cremation Service (989)539-7810.