Jackie Chow, 67, passed away peacefully on September 15, 2026, after spending her final year battling spinocerebellar ataxia. While the past year brought many challenges and suffering, Jackie is now at peace and free from pain.

Jackie was born on April 5, 1959, to Robert and Alice Schmidling. She later married the love of her life, Steve Chow. Together, they built a family filled with love, laughter, sometimes a little madness, and countless experiences. For most of their lives, they built their foundation in New Berlin, Wisconsin followed by Wausau, Wisconsin. Most recently, Steve and Jackie moved from Appleton, Wisconsin, to Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin.

Jackie was an active member of THE MISSION CHURCH in Appleton, WI and volunteered at various church functions. She also shared her love of games and community by teaching Mahjong at the Appleton YMCA and the Menasha Senior Center.

Jackie was a creative and adventurous soul who loved planning and bringing her ideas to life. She especially enjoyed crafting hair bows, decorating, and making all things “girly.” She loved sharing her creations at craft shows and, even more, loved crafting alongside her grandchildren. Some of her happiest moments were spent creating memories with the people she loved most.

Jackie also had a love for traveling and experiencing the world. She enjoyed snorkeling, exploring new places, and making memories with family and friends. She particularly enjoyed playing Mahjong and Sheepshead with friends throughout the years, sharing many evenings filled with laughter and friendship.

Jackie also loved taking pictures—sometimes too many. She had a way of turning everyday moments into memories, and she never missed an opportunity to get the camera out. If there was a special occasion, a family gathering, a trip, or even just a moment she thought was worth remembering, chances were Jackie was there taking a picture. She was always the one behind the camera, selflessly capturing the moment and making sure everyone else was in the picture. We certainly have plenty of pictures because of Jackie.

Above all else, Jackie treasured her family. She is survived by her husband, Steve Chow; her children, Cyndie Chow (Craig Jansen), Carol Chow (Alexander Mineau), and Ken Chow (Kennedy); and her beloved grandchildren, Craig and Calin Jansen and Kendalin and Carmen-Elizabeth Mineau, who brought her tremendous joy.

She is also survived by her mother, Alice Schmidling; brother, Ken Schmidling (Karen); sister, Nancy Pettis; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Jackie was preceded in death by her father, Robert Schmidling, and her brother, Michael Schmidling.

Jackie will be remembered for her creativity, adventurous spirit, love of family, and ability to bring people together. Her memory will live on through the crafts she created, the adventures she shared, the laughter she brought to others, and the countless lives she touched.

In lieu of flowers, any donations (we prefer this) may be made in Jackie’s memory to the Ataxia Foundation, National Park Foundation, or The Mission Church Building Fund.

Ataxia Foundation: 7701 Golden Valley Rd. PO Box 27986, Golden Valley, MN 27986

National Park Foundation: P O Box 17394, Baltimore, MD 21298-9450

The Mission Church - Matching Building Fund, 2720 N Kesting Ct., Appleton, WI 54911

A DONATION CARD BOX WILL ALSO BE SET UP

The memorial service for Jackie is planned for October 24,2026 at the Hartson Funeral Home in Hales Corners, WI (SW of Milwaukee). Visitation will be from 2:00 to 4:00 PM with the service to follow at 4:00.

Jackie may no longer be here to travel the world, create her crafts, take a million pictures, or spend time with the people she loved, but the memories she created will remain forever.