Jacqueline "Jackie" Mary (Botting) Wendlandt, 75, passed away on Thursday, April 16, 2026, at her home surrounded by her family. Jackie was born in Racine on April 8, 1951, the daughter of the late Ruth (Mansell) and Richard "Dick" Botting. Jackie attended grade school at St. Rita Catholic School and graduated from Horlick High in 1969. She earned her bachelor's degree in elementary education from UW-Whitewater in 1973.

Jackie married William "Bill" Wendlandt on June 9, 1973, at St. Rita Catholic Church in Caledonia. A lifelong educator, Jackie taught elementary school in both public and parochial schools in Wisconsin, and finished her career at the North Slope Borough School District in Utqiagvik (Barrow), Alaska.

Jackie was fiercely loyal in her faith. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, friend, and neighbor. She inspired her daughters through her independent spirit and adventurous ways - from paleontology digs in the Plains, dog sledding in northern Minnesota and Yellowstone National Park, teaching in the Arctic to hiking various mountain ranges. Jackie was passionate about protecting our environment, supporting state and national parks, and spending time outdoors whether snowshoeing, camping or kayaking. A loving grandmother, Jackie spent her summers in Silverton, Colorado, embraced in love by her grandson, Wilder.

She is survived by her husband and two daughters, Bill Wendlandt of Iola, Ruth Wendlandt of Baltimore, Sarah Wendlandt (Jordan Bierma) of Silverton; her grandson Wilder Bierma; brothers: Tim (Julaine) Botting of Manawa, Curt (Kathy) Botting of Franksville; nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many dear friends across Wisconsin, Colorado, and Alaska.

In addition to her parents, grandparents, aunts, and uncles, she was preceded in death by her nephew Eric Botting.

Jackie was strong in the face of her cancer diagnosis. The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the hospice nurses at Compassus for their compassionate care.

The Funeral Mass for Jackie will be held on Thursday, April 23, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Manawa with Fr. Kris Mekala officiating. A visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 22, 2026 from 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. at the Dahlke Life Celebration Center in Manawa and on Thursday at the church from 9:30 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.