On Monday, May 20, 2013, the heavens received a new angel when Jodie Ann Waclaw, 46 of Wahpeton, ND, unexpectedly passed away at St. Francis Hospital in Breckenridge, MN. The funeral will be 11:00AM, Friday, May 24 at St. John's Catholic Church in Wahpeton, with a visitation one hour prior to the funeral. Father Dale Lagodinski will be officiating. The visitation will be from 4:00 to 8:00PM with a prayer service at 7:00 on Thursday, May 23 at Joseph Vertin & Sons Funeral Home in Breckenridge.
Jodie was born in Breckenridge, MN to Fred and Kathleen (Nelson) Waclaw on August 18, 1966. She grew up in Wahpeton, attending St. John's School though the eighth grade and graduating from Wahpeton High School in 1984. Following high school, she nannied for various families in the community until beginning her 19 year career in retail sales at Maurice's in Wahpeton, in 1994.
Jodie was a gracious and giving friend, pouring herself into her relationships. Her smile and upbeat persona was contagious. Strength and determination was the inspiration behind mentoring new employees, maintaining friendships with the families she nannied, and her courageous life battles. Jodie had a heart of gold that beat passionately for her family especially her nephew Ryland. Some of her happiest memories were centered around him as they baked cookies together, took part in sleepovers, played games and shared bedtime stories. She cherished her sister time with Hollie and never passed up an opportunity to go shopping or spend time with her friends. Jodie found much joy in giving gifts to her friends for any occasion.
As long as they were together, John and Jodie loved the simple things in life-watching the Twins, doing crossword puzzles, baking, and of course playing with their dog Haley. The Sassy Survivors, Cindy Wateland, Linda Trydahl, Deb Tobias, Pam Knapper and Amy Ziegler, had a special place in Jodie's heart as did the memory of Toot Marthaler and Carmen Krause.
Jodie is survived by her life companion, John Bloomquist of Wahpeton, ND; her sister Hollie (Robert) Kietzer and their son Ryland of Fargo, ND; Her aunt Evelyn (Dave) Trangsrud of Wahpeton, ND; her cousin Steve (Lori) Listopad of Jamestown, ND and their son Murray; and her special friend Brant Mickelson of Wahpeton, ND.
Jodie is preceded in death by her parents Fred and Kathleen Waclaw.