Jacqueline Dee Krutz
January 23, 1932 - June 17, 2022
Obituary
Jacqueline Dee (Burrows) Krutz – January 23, 1932 – June 17, 2022
Jackie was born in Audubon, Iowa to Ed and Inez Burrows. She grew up on her family’s farm in North Loup, Nebraska. As a young girl, she rode her horse, Prince, to school. Jackie was very small. Thankfully, Prince was very smart. When Jackie fell off Prince, he would go to the nearest fence and wait for her to climb the fence and crawl onto his back once again.
She met Rolland Krutz at Kearney State College, married him in 1950, and welcomed Nancy Jo, the first of their three daughters. The family then settled in Wichita and soon Susan and Shannon joined the family. As all who knew her realize, infectious laughter was just a part of who Jackie was, and she took that laughter with her to Girl Scouts and to Bethany Lutheran Church.
In 1967, Boeing permanently transferred the Krutz family to Seattle, Washington. Jackie became ‘Teacher Jackie’ finding her calling in early childhood education. She earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Western Washington University and rose to lead the Parent Education Department at Highline Community College. And again, there was much laughter.
After teaching hundreds and hundreds of children, Jackie couldn’t go to the grocery store or any public event without being greeted by a former student or parent, all who appreciated her kind smile and that infectious laugh.
Jackie loved playing bridge, Scrabble with her next-door neighbor, Natalie, and tennis. She was active in the Friends of the Valley View Library, the Democratic Party, and Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church. She was a natural artist and followed the footsteps of her Mother’s love of poetry.
Jackie and Rollie were devoted spectators of their grandchildren’s sports…and sometimes Jackie became an “active” spectator…offering help to near sighted referees!
Living close to the airport, the Krutz’s were known to offer free parking, a shuttle to the airport, and lots of fresh coffee to their many friends and extended family.
Jackie and Rollie loved to travel. They took part in family reunions, spent time touring in their trailer, and vacationed in their home in Sun City, AZ. They also took many memorable trips abroad which Jackie carefully documented. Her famous travel logs included local history and many ‘out of focus’ pictures!
Jackie loved and was beloved by her family, extended family, and friends. She was preceded in death by Rolland in 2015 and is survived by her three daughters: Nancy, Susan, Shannon, and their families. Jackie’s kindness, generous spirit, and most of all her laughter will be dearly missed.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Belmor Park Clubhouse on Saturday, August 13th at 1 p.m. Inurnment will be at Mt. Tahoma National Cemetery.
