Jacqueline "Jackie" Dotseth

1936 - 2025

Jacqueline "Jackie" Dotseth

February 21, 1936 - October 12, 2025

"Though Jackie always liked a lot of fun, and was often the spark that created it in school and at school functions, she could be depended upon to follow any project to its conclusion." - Vivian Goldsmith

Jacqueline "Jackie" Dotseth, 89, of Menomonie, passed away peacefully, leaving behind a life filled with love, laughter, and purpose.

Born on February 21, 1936, to Neil and Hazel (Adams) Chryst, Jackie was raised in Menomonie and graduated from Menomonie High School in 1954, where she was named recipient of the Daughters of the American Revolution Award and later won the Menomonie High School Alumni Award. She continued her education at Fairview Hospital School of Nursing in Minneapolis, graduating as a registered nurse in 1957.

She married John William Dotseth on August 3, 1957, and together they shared a partnership built on love, hard work, and community. Their son, Timothy John Dotseth, was born in 1959, and the three of them would go on to build an enduring family legacy in Menomonie.

Jackie began her career as a nurse and became the first registered Nursing Home Administrator for Dunn County. She later served as Director of Nursing and Director of Inservice Training at the Dunn County Health Care Center, where she was admired for her leadership, dedication, and compassion.

Her commitment to the Menomonie community extended well beyond her profession. Jackie served on the Menomonie City Council from 1978 to 1985, including terms as Vice President and Council President (1982–1983). She also served on numerous boards, including the Mabel Tainter Board of Trustees, Menomonie Chamber of Commerce, Chippewa Valley Technical School Advisory Board, UW–Stout Speaker Series, and the Indianhead Country Tourism Board.

Together with John and Tim, Jackie built and managed John Dotseth Trucking, restored and operated Wilson Place Museum, and created Olde Towne Menomonie, a gathering place that celebrated local history and community spirit. In recognition of their lifelong service, Jackie and John were honored as 1989 Menomonie Citizens of the Year by the Greater Menomonie Area Chamber of Commerce.

Jackie loved cooking, knitting, sewing, and spending time in Florida with her family. She was also an avid fisherwoman, once catching a 215-pound tarpon in Florida in 1963 - one of only eleven recorded in the state at that time.

Her favorite childhood book was The Little Engine That Could, and those words - "I think I can" - became her guiding philosophy. Whether caring for others, restoring history, or building community, Jackie faced every task with determination, humor, and grace.

She was preceded in death by her husband John, her parents Neil and Hazel Chryst, brothers Dewayne and Dallas Chryst, and sister Joelene (Chryst) Loew. She is survived by her beloved son Timothy Dotseth, who continues her work of preserving Menomonie's stories and spirit.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, October 20, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Olde Towne Menomonie. Family, friends, and community members are invited to share memories and honor a woman whose warmth, strength, and heart have left a lasting mark on Menomonie.

Those wishing to honor Jackie's legacy may do so with a contribution to Wilson Place Museum, supporting the preservation work she so deeply loved.

To share a memory, please visit obituaries at www.olsonfuneral.com