Jacquelyn "Jackie" Wambsgans

Jacquelyn “Jackie” Wambsgans, 79, passed away at her home on November 20, 2023.

Jackie was born on December 1, 1943, in Des Moines to William and Phyllis (Ballard) Edwards, the oldest of 11 children. Her father passed away when she was an infant and she was raised by her mother and step-father, Dave Leonard. Jackie graduated from East High School. She was working at her parent’s café on SE 14th Street when she met Charles “Chuck” Wambsgans. Their first date was at the Iowa State Fair, where they have celebrated their wedding anniversary for the past 51 years. Jackie was the Activity Coordinator at Parkridge Nursing & Rehab Center for 24 years. A job she truly enjoyed. Jackie loved spending time with the residents making crafts, setting up movie nights and she, along with a few volunteers, especially enjoyed Fridays, which was “nail day” for the lady residents. In her spare time, she enjoyed doing ceramics and collecting bears. Above all, Jackie loved being a wife, mother and grandmother.

Jackie is survived by her husband, Charles “Chuck” Wambsgans; children, Frank (Kristi) See, Michelle Armstrong, Debbie Ibanez and Karen Wilkenson; 9 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; 3 great-great-grandchildren; sisters, Jeannie, Mary, Linda and Kim; brothers, Bob and Steve; and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; step-father; siblings, Irene, Roxy, John and Kerry; grandparents, Frank and Emma Ballard; sons-in-law, Danny Owens and Gary Wilkenson; parents-in-law, Charles and Virginia Wambsgans; and sister-in-law, Ginny Gamble.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, November 29, 2023 at 12:00 p.m. at Hamilton’s Southtown Funeral Home, 5400 SW 9th Street. The family will greet friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the family in loving memory of Jackie.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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