It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of Jackie Dotseth of Menomonie, who left us on October 12, 2025, at the age of 89.
A daughter of Menomonie (born Feb 21, 1936), Jackie grew up in this community, graduated from Menomonie High School (Class of 1954) where she was honored with the Daughters of the American Revolution Award and later the Alumni Award.
She studied nursing at Fairview Hospital School of Nursing in Minneapolis and graduated as a registered nurse in 1957.
Jackie married John William Dotseth on August 3, 1957, and together they made a lasting impact on Menomonie’s heritage and civic life.
Professionally, Jackie served as the first Registered Nursing Home Administrator for Dunn County, and later as Director of Nursing and Director of In-service Training at the Dunn County Health Care Center — roles in which she exhibited leadership, compassion, and dedication.
Her service extended deeply into community life: she served on the Menomonie City Council (1978-1985), including term(s) as Vice President and Council President (1982-1983). She also served on boards including the Mabel Tainter Center for the Arts Board of Trustees, the Menomonie Chamber of Commerce, the Chippewa Valley Technical School Advisory Board, and the Indianhead Country Tourism Board.
One of Jackie’s enduring legacies is her role in preserving and sharing the heritage of Wilson Place. Alongside John and their son Timothy, she restored and operated the Wilson Place Museum and also helped develop Olde Towne Menomonie as a gathering place rooted in local history and community spirit.
In recognition of her lifelong service, Jackie and John were honored as 1989 Menomonie Citizens of the Year by the Greater Menomonie Area Chamber of Commerce.
Jackie’s personal passions reflected her warm spirit: she enjoyed cooking, knitting, sewing, and time spent with family in Florida. A notable anecdote: in 1963 she caught a 215-pound tarpon in Florida — one of only eleven recorded at that time.
Her guiding philosophy: inspired by her childhood favorite book, The Little Engine That Could, she lived by “I think I can.” 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 Dotseth, her parents Neil and Hazel Chryst, her brothers Dewayne and Dallas Chryst, and her 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 was held on Monday, October 20, 2025, at Olde Towne Menomonie. It was a beautiful gathering — a full house of family and friends sharing stories, laughter, and memories of Jackie.
Those wishing to honor Jackie’s legacy are welcome to contribute to the Wilson Place Museum — a fitting tribute to the work she cherished and the history she helped preserve.
We join Jackie’s family and the Menomonie community in extending our deepest condolences. Her legacy of service, education and historic preservation lives on, thanks to her tireless efforts — and thanks to those of us inspired to continue the work.