Thelma Nankival Jackson (1929-2013)

NANKIVAL, JACKSON, CAIN, PIERCE, EPPENAUER, HUBER

Posted By: J. n. (email)
Date: 5/19/2013 at 22:13:34

THELMA NANKIVAL JACKSON
1929-2013

Thelma (Mooch) Jackson, 83, passed away on May 15, 2013. Services will be Monday, May 20 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in West Des Moines with visitation starting at 10:30 AM, a mass at noon and a reception immediately following the mass.

Born on August 8, 1929 in Dubuque Iowa to Wilbur and Helen (Cain) Nankival, Thelma graduated from Visitation Academy in 1947. She married Robert (Bob) Jackson of Marshalltown at Nativity Church in Dubuque on March 29, 1948.

Bob and Thelma began their married life in Marshalltown as the owners of the Ideal Pastry Shop where Thelma excelled at decorating beautiful cakes while raising four children. In 1965 the family moved to Des Moines where Thelma was employed at Safeway and later at Sears. Thelma and Bob returned to Dubuque in 1976 taking up where they left off with family and friends. Bob was transferred to Winston-Salem, N.C. in 1982 where Thelma found her dream job with her beloved Chicago Cubs minor league ball team. Her working title was that of office manager, but Thelma opened her heart and home to all the young players. In 1995 Bob and Thelma retired to Platte City, Missouri to be near their daughter. They returned home to Des Moines in 1997. Thelma’s lifelong friendships and family devotion depict a life well lived.

She is survived by her husband of 65 years Robert (Bob), 4 children, Bob Jr. of Charlotte, North Carolina, Jim (Melinda) of Portland, Oregon, Dave (Candace) of Des Moines and Sue Eppenauer (Tom) of Johnston, sister-in law Mary Kay (Jerry) Hudspeth of Montana, brother-in-law Roger Huber of Dubuque, 11 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Bill Nankival and sister, Harriet Huber, both of Dubuque.

The family would like to thank the nurses and staff of the Mercy West Lakes, Bishop Drumm Care Center and Mercy Hospice in Johnston for their exceptional dedication to her care. You are all angels in our eyes.

In lieu of flowers please send memorial contributions to the Mercy Foundation to be designated for Bishop Drumm.