Jackie Zander

DeForest - On the morning of April 4, 2014, Jackie Zander was lifted on angel wings to forever reside with Christ. She passed peacefully in the care of loved ones at UW Hospital. Jackie lived her life in loving service. Born on July 8, 1959 in Portage, Wisconsin with her immense faith in Christ, she viewed each day as an opportunity to serve her family, friends, church and community. She lovingly provided childcare in the DeForest area beginning in 1978 and welcomed hundreds of children into her home as she did her own. Jackie further reached area youth as the Superintendent of Religious Education at Windsor United Church of Christ. While she devoted much of her time to children, her limitless efforts touched all. Jackie made you a cake or sewed you a costume. She danced, bowled or played softball with you. You may have met her as a swim instructor, den mother or librarian. Above all, Jackie counted her time with family as most precious. Holidays and birthdays were some of her favorite moments as she spared no expense to make those days special for all, especially her grandchildren. Jackie took tremendous pride in the lives of her children but her grandkids proved to be the brightest light. She will be missed by so many but her spirit lives on as her countless efforts remain with us all forever.
Jackie is survived by her four loving children (2 biological and 2 by marriage); Jarrett (Dana) Otto and Janelle (Matthew) Midlikowski, five grandchildren; Geri, Addison, Daelyn, Macrae and Hollis, a brother; Scott (Kim) Harris, a niece; Lacey, two nephews; Brian and Ashton, her devoted and loving mother; Marilyn Otto and companion; Bill Midthun. She is also survived by many other loving family and numerous friends. Jackie was preceded in death by her husband Anthony "Tony" Zander.
A celebration of her life will be held at WINDSOR UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST, 4434 Second St., Windsor, on Saturday, April 12, 2014, at 2:30 p.m. with Reverend Dr. David McDonald officiating. A meal and sharing of stories will follow the service at the church. A visitation will be held at the church on Friday, April 11, 2014, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and again at church on Saturday from 12:00 noon until the time of the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in memory of Jackie to Windsor United Church of Christ, 4434 Second St., Windsor, WI 53598 or UW Carbone Cancer Center, Attn: Katie Williquette, 600 Highland Ave., K4/658, Madison, Wisconsin 53792-6164.

"My sun now lies eternal in the west,
with no more earthly races to run.
In His service, I did my best,
now free from trial, my triumph has begun."