Jackie Overkamp

With her warm and welcoming nature, Jackie Overkamp lived with a zest for life surrounded by the ones who were so dear to her. Never to be forgotten will be her kind and caring heart as well as her great love and commitment to her family. Loving was easy for Jackie, and it came naturally for her. Her grandchildren brought her the greatest joy, and she loved them more than anything. Although gone from love's embrace the heart of Jackie lives on in the lives of all who knew and loved her.
The 1950s marked a quieter, more stable time in America despite the conflicts of the Korean War. Families spent evenings together watching favorite television programs while Matchbox cars and Pez candy dispensers made their debut. As families moved to the suburbs, the need for consumer goods rose and manufacturing was at an all time high. By 1952, three out of five families owned an automobile, and one in three homes had a television set. During this age of growth and innocence, the world was made undeniably brighter on May 17, 1952, when Ellsworth "Bud" and Elizabeth "Betty" (Potter) Hildebrand welcomed the birth of their little girl, Jackie into their arms.
Born in Winona, Minnesota, Jackie was raised among the rolling hills and valleys of southeastern Minnesota's Whitewater Valley near Elba. There she grew up on a farm in Whitewater Valley which later became part of Whitewater State Park. Jackie was one of four children in the Hildebrand household and throughout her youth, she experienced times typical of her generation. A fun-loving and outgoing girl, she shared the friendships of many and went on to graduate from St. Charles High School with the Class of 1970. With her fashionable sense of style combined with her artistic talents, Jackie furthered her education after high school by attending Minnesota School of Business where she studied fashion design. During this time she also worked for Arnold's Fashions in nearby Rochester.
Jackie met Jeff Overkamp, the love of her life during the devastating Elba flood of 1974. They shared much in common and made for the best companions. On January 11, 1975, they exchanged vows of marriage and after making their home near Elba, they began a family of their own. Becoming a mother enlightened Jackie's life in a remarkable way with the births of their two children, Ben and Jenny. A loving and attentive mother, she was involved in the lives of her children. She had a way all her own of making the holidays and other special occasions extra special and the memories of these cherished times will remain a treasure.
Along with making a good home for Jeff and the kids, Jackie worked outside the home for the Mayo Clinic. In 1975 she served as a secretary in the ENT department before being transferred to scheduling where she worked for the majority of her 40-year career there. For Jackie, work was not a chore. She loved serving others and throughout the years at Mayo she formed many lasting friendships, too. Another very important part of Jackie's life was her faith. She was a faithful and devout member of St. Aloysius Catholic Church in Elba, and she was ever devoted to praying the Rosary. It was that very faith that saw Jackie through in 1998 and the days ahead when her daughter, Jenny was sadly killed in an auto accident. As she and Jeff drove from the scene of the accident to the hospital, they didn't even know if their precious daughter was alive, yet when Jackie saw Jenny's image formed in the clouds, she knew her daughter was at peace.
Jackie and Jeff truly enjoyed time with their closest friends. In earlier years they loved spending weekends at their cabin on the river alongside their family and friends. Retiring in 2014 afforded Jackie and Jeff time to indulge in their love for travel. Some of the destinations they enjoyed included the Caribbean, Mexico several times, Australia, and New Zealand. A most memorable time was shared with her son, Ben and his family on a family trip to Disneyworld in Florida. Frequently getting together with her girlfriends always made for enjoyable times full of laughter and good company, and it was always a highlight for Jackie. When having people over, Jackie was a gracious host who welcomed all. She was continually looking out for the needs of others, often asking, "Can I get you something?" When friends and family were leaving her home, Jackie's parting words always were, "Watch out for deer".
Another tragic blow came Jackie's way when she was diagnosed with cancer. She completed her treatments in 2007 and remained cancer free until 2012. With the reoccurrence of her cancer, hearing the words from her physician that few people make it five years, Jackie was determined to make it ten. With a fighting spirit surrounded by those who meant so much to her, Jackie tackled this second round with grace and unending faith. Although a cure was not to be, Jackie spent the last of her days enjoying times spent with those she loved. In the lives of those who knew her best, there was no one quite like Jackie. Her warm, caring ways will always be remembered as her kindred and loving heart is deeply missed.
Jackie Overkamp, 64, of Elba, died Wednesday evening, November 16, 2016, at home in hospice care. Survivors include her husband, Jeff; her son, Ben (Rhonda) Overkamp of St. Charles; three grandchildren: Logan, Addison, and Lucas; siblings: Mary (David) Larson of Valley Lee, MD, Patty (Terry) Haack and Dick (Jill) Hildebrand, both of Elba. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Jenny in 1998 and by her parents. The family would like to thank Dr. Matthew Goetz, Deanne Smith and their team at Mayo Clinic Breast Cancer-Team Red and Mayo Hospice for their loving care during Jackie's courageous battle.
A Funeral Mass will be 11:00 a.m. Monday at St. Aloysius Catholic Church in Elba with the Reverend Kurt Farrell officiating. Burial will follow in St. Aloysius Cemetery. Friends may call from 3-7 p.m. Sunday at Hoff Funeral Service in St. Charles. They may also call one hour before services at the church on Monday. A reception will follow in the church hall. Please visit www.hofffuneral.com to share a favorite memory of Jackie, sign her online guestbook and view her video tribute when it becomes available. Memorials are preferred to St. Aloysius Catholic Church.