Jacalyn "Jackie" Friesen, age 70, of Huron, passed away peacefully Monday, August 14, 2023, at her home with her family at her side, after a 9+-year battle with Parkinson-lewy body dementia.

Her life was celebrated at 10:30 AM, Friday, September 1, at the Faith Alive Church. Her service was live-streamed.

View Jackie's Folder

Visitation was held from 1:00 to 7:00 PM, Thursday, August 31, at the Kuhler Funeral Home, with her family present from 5:00 to 7:00 PM, Thursday evening.

Jacalyn "Jackie" Claire Friesen was born June 9, 1953, to Harris "Bud" and Gwyn (VanDuzee) Brenner in Huron, South Dakota. She attended school in Huron graduating from HHS in 1971. She also attended Huron College for several years.

She married Steve Rans in 1973 and later divorced. They had three children together - Jason, Katie and Angela

On June 3, 1994, Jackie married Sam Friesen. They recently celebrated 29 years together.

Jackie worked for the South Dakota Department of Social Services in Child Protection Services for 25 years, where she did many amazing things for children. She also worked in various positions for the Huron School system, had an in-home daycare, and worked at the South Dakota State Fair.

Jackie lived life to the fullest and truly loved being a grandma. She was "Gramma Jackie" to so many. She enjoyed crocheting and making things for others. Jackie also cherished going camping, spending time at the lake and celebrating holidays with family. She was a true friend to many and was always happy to offer a helping hand.

After a few years of sickness, Jackie was diagnosed with Parkinson's - Lewy Body Dementia in 2016. Her retirement years turned into riding the lewy body roller coaster for 9+ years.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Harris and Gwyn Brenner; her parents-in-law, George and Annie Friesen; one brother-in-law, Jack Friesen; and one nephew, Trisdon Rans.

Jackie is survived by her husband, Sam; three children, Jason Rans, Katie (Scott) Scheibe and Angela Rans; four granddaughters, Karlie Valer, Chelsey Haibeck-Rans, Alissa Byrd and Mylie Byrd; and five great-grandchildren, Kennidee, Baylee, Jaxton, Oaklee and Greyston.

She is also survived by three siblings, Les (Olga) Brenner, Bob (Linda) Brenner and Scott Brenner; her brother and sisters-in-law, Jerry (Judy) Friesen, Jim (Linda) Friesen, Yvonne (Frank) Hannifan, Carol Friesen, Darrel (Della) Friesen, Helen (Pete) Hetle and Dawn (Quintin) Sheridan; many nieces and nephews and their families; her YaYa Sisters - Linda Hanks, Liz Fischer, Peg Mahowald, Kris Wiedenman and Peri Robbins; her Rans family members; and many great friends.

Thank you to our caregivers. No words can explain how grateful we are for you!

View Jackie's Floral Arrangements