Obituary of Jacalyn Joy Armstrong

ARMSTRONG (Carlson), Jacalyn, age 57, of Oak Grove, passed away on June 26, 2019 after a ten month battle with leukemia. Retired 34 year employee of G.E. Capital Fleet Services. Preceded in death by parents, Allen & Shirley (Buckley) Carlson; brother, Tim Willis. She will be deeply missed by her husband of 17 years, Doug Armstrong; son, Ryan Carlson (Staceymarie); siblings, Karol Carlson, Kim Waltz (Fred), Allen Carlson (Lori), Cathy Jones (Brett); many relatives and good friends.

My wife, Jacalyn J Armstrong;

Jackie Joy Armstrong (Carlson) was a woman of integrity who saw the good in people and the best in society. She had a gift of caring for people and for animals. She had a tender heart for stray animals and was passionate about rescuing and saving animals. Jackie enjoyed our cabin in Wisconsin, fishing, ATV four wheeling, snowmobiling, hiking in the mountains, trips to Central America, Mexico, road trips, the Minnesota State Fair, concerts, estate sales, motorcycle rides and so much more.

Ryan was born when Jackie was 20 years old. As a single mother she was determined to create a career for herself and provide a good home for her son. Her parents, Allen and Shirley, helped and encouraged her when she began working for Gelco leasing, which later became GE Capital Fleet Services. Jackie worked hard and excelled at GE, her 34-year career included management positions and national clients.

Jackie and I met at GE in 1991. She was smart, beautiful, professional, authentic, genuine and liked to share silly jokes. She valued relationships and experiences, she wanted happiness, meaningful friendships and she possessed a natural love of life. Fortunately, I recognized that she was a rare find and that I had to do whatever I could to be with her. I devised a plan to win her heart and it worked. I am proud to be Jackie’s husband. We had 17 years of truly happy marriage. We never tired of each other and always looked forward to time we shared together.

Jackie was a devoted mom with a never-ending love for her son, Ryan, who is a well-rounded person with many of the good qualities his mother possessed.

In August of 2018 Jackie was diagnosed with leukemia. Jackie gave all she had in a never-relenting fight to beat cancer, demonstrating grace, dignity and a remarkable will to do whatever it took for those she loved. My wife, Ryan’s mother, Karol, Kim, Allen and Cathy’s sister, and friend to many, left us with everlasting memories of her joyful, sweet spirit and good soul.

A celebration of Jackie’s life will be Sunday July 21, 2019. Please see her caring bridge page for time and location. Formal attire discouraged.

Https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/jacalynarmstrong

Memorials preferred to American Cancer Society, Animal Humane Society, or Salvation Army.