Jacqueline Wilcox

Dr. Jacqueline Wilcox, 81, Parshall, passed away Sunday, October 19, 2025, at a Minot nursing home.

Funeral: Tuesday, October 28, 2025, at 11 a.m., at First Lutheran Church, Plaza

Visitation: One hour prior to the start of the service at the church.

Interment: Parshall Cemetery, Parshall

In place of flowers, memorials are preferred to:
Foundation for Fighting Blindness (https://www.fightingblindness.org/)
Alzheimer's Association (https://www.alz.org/)
Boys and Girls Club of Parshall (address to be added later)

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Dr. Jacqueline (Jackie) K. Elton Wilcox, Parshall, passed away peacefully on October 19, 2025, after a long battle with dementia. She was born on September 25, 1944, in Minneapolis, to Kenneth Elton and Dorothy (Gaulke) Elton on her father's 25th birthday. She grew up in Parshall, ND, having graduated from Parshall High School in 1962. She went on to Minot State University and graduated with a degree in elementary education.

While at Minot State, she met William Wilcox. They were married for 28 years and blessed with two children, Bruce and Jennifer, who were the light of her life. Jackie could often be seen cheerleading whatever endeavor her children decided to pursue, from BMX racing to speech team and drama club. She encouraged her children to challenge themselves, to see the world, and chase their own dreams. She was immensely proud of each of them.

Jackie taught in many places throughout her career, but made her mark teaching at Cannonball Elementary on the Standing Rock Reservation. She saw an opportunity to expose her "kids" to the world through science and offer opportunities to travel to state and national science fairs. Additionally, she led the Dream Project for several years, which encouraged disabled Native American children to become active in science education.

Her efforts to expand the horizons of Native American children were recognized through the receipt of two significant awards for her teaching at Cannonball Elementary: The Presidential Award for Excellence in Teaching and the Milken Educator Award.

In her summers, she attended St. Cloud State University and obtained a master's degree in Multicultural Education in 1995. She wasn't finished, though. In her 50s, she earned her PhD in Education. She became a professor at UND, then moved on to the University of Dubuque (Iowa), where she became the chair of the Education department.

Once retired, Jackie settled in Florida, enjoying the warmer temperatures. She continued to help children while being an Ad Litem for the court system and participating in several charities and groups.

Jackie was diagnosed with dementia, and after it advanced, she settled back in Parshall, ND, which was home to her. She spent her final years being cared for by her daughter and daughter-in-law, and at Trinity Nursing home, where every staff member loved her.

Jackie should be remembered for her caring heart and immense love for her children, her grandson Zach, and all the children she encountered throughout her 45 years of teaching.

Jackie was preceded in death by her parents, Kenneth and Dorothy Elton; sisters, Judy Hall and Pam Rytter; niece, Melody Hall; and great-nephew, David Busenius; as well as her maternal and paternal grandparents, and other cherished aunts and uncles.

Jackie is survived by her son Bruce Wilcox and his wife Chrisi Hughey; daughter, Jennifer Wilcox and her wife Nicole Tabbert; and beloved grandson, Zach Wilcox; as well as her sister, Janice Kerbel of California; and brother, Craig (Teresa) Elton of Parshall, ND; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Services will be held at First Lutheran Church in Plaza, ND, on October 28, 2025, at 11 am, with a visitation one hour before the service. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you please consider a donation to the Foundation for Fighting Blindness, Alzheimer's Association, or the Boys and Girls Club of Parshall, ND.