Elisabeth Putzel Jackson

Elisabeth Putzel Jackson, 87, of Poplar Bluff, passed away Wednesday, May 15, 2013, at her residence.

Mrs. Jackson was born April 25, 1926, in Nuremberg, Germany. In 1938, she moved with her family to St. Louis. While attending Washington University, she met William C. Jackson and they were married June 13, 1948. He preceded her in death November 8, 2011.

After college, Mrs. Jackson worked in cytology research at Barnes Hospital in St. Louis and Ellis Fischel State Cancer Hospital in Columbia. The Jacksons moved to Poplar Bluff in 1951, where Mrs. Jackson was employed with Poplar Bluff Hospital as a cytology lab technician. She was a member of the committee that provided the needs assessment for Three Rivers Junior College and served on the faculty of the newly established college as a biology lab instructor.
Mrs. Jackson was an active member of the community and was involved with United Way, Cotton Boll Girl Scout Council, Monday Study Club, Parent Teacher Association, Swamp Angels Flying Club, the Ninety-Nines International Organization of Women Pilots and was a member of The Arts Council. She spent many hours as a school and community service volunteer and was a particularly adept reading tutor. Mrs. Jackson was a licensed private pilot and an amateur radio operator. As a young woman, she enjoyed participating in a variety of athletics including tennis, swimming, archery, gymnastics, marksmanship, soccer, basketball and horsemanship. Her love of learning continued throughout her life and was a joy that she shared with her family and friends. Gardening and bird-watching were particular interests. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and friend.

Survivors include four children, Laura (Rick) Laurentius of Biehle, Paul (Stephanie) Jackson of Jefferson City, Dan (Cindy) Jackson of Poplar Bluff and Judy Jackson (Jimmy Maasen) of Freeburg; two sisters-in-law, Sheila Putzel of Chicago and Donna Atkins of Poplar Bluff; nine grandchildren, Ryan Knuckles, Katy Knuckles, Libby Knuckles, Paul Laurentius, Phillip (Brenda) Jackson, Joseph Jackson, Jillian Jackson, Kirsten (C.J.) Spencer, and McKenzie Parsons; one great-grandchild, Arya Spencer; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Along with her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents, Paul and Kunigunde (Klaussner) Putzel; infant twin sons; one brother, Max Putzel; three brothers-in-law, Willard Jackson, Jerry Jackson and John Hoemeyer; and two sisters-in-law, Carol Hoemeyer and Phyllis Jackson.`

Per Mrs. Jackson's request, there will be no formal services. A celebration of life will be held at a future date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Animal Welfare Alliance of Southeast Missouri, P.O. Box 647, Poplar Bluff, MO 63902. The family would like to thank their many friends for the outpouring of compassion received during this difficult time.