Jacqueline L. Smith

Jacqueline L. Smith, age 86, of Escanaba, passed away unexpectedly, Wednesday, June 27, 2018 at her home in West Highland Apartments. She was born on September 13, 1931 in Escanaba, the daughter of Earl and Tillie (Johnson) Polmateer. Jackie grew up in Escanaba and graduated from Escanaba High School in 1949. The former Jacqueline Polmateer married Donald Palmgren in September of 1951 in Bark River. Don was working in Chicago at the time and Jackie moved there as soon as the two were married. While living in Chicago, the couple had three children, David, Donald, and Kevin. She also was employed by the Curtis Candy Company for a few years. In 1958, the family moved back to Escanaba and Jackie went to work for the Morley Murphy Company. She later was employed as an operator by the Michigan Bell Telephone Company until her retirement. Jacqueline married Kenneth Smith in 1975 in Escanaba and he preceded her in death on February 3, 2002. She was a lifetime member of the Salvation Army in Escanaba and also a member of the U.P. Steam and Gas Engine Association. She enjoyed bowling, playing horseshoes, and camping in her younger years. Jackie loved spending time with both her family and her church family. She was an avid Green Bay Packer fan and loved to watch professional, college, high school, and little league sports. Jackie was a people person and enjoyed meeting many new faces.

Jacqueline L. Smith is survived by two sons, David (Betty) Palmgren of Gladstone, and Kevin (Jami) Palmgren of Wilson; several grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; brother, Richard Earl (Elsie) Polmateer of Osco, IL; sister, Marilyn Ruth (John) Wellman of Brampton; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents and two husbands, Jacqueline was preceded in death by infant son, Donald Palmgren; and one sister, Bonnie Evans.

Visitation will be held from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., Saturday, July 7, 2018 at the Salvation Army in Escanaba. Funeral services celebrating the life of Jacqueline will follow at 3:00 p.m., Saturday, with Major Ralph Hansen officiating. A luncheon will be served afterward in the church fellowship hall. Burial will take place in Gardens of Rest Cemetery. 

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