Jacqueline 'Jackie' Mary (Botting) Wendlandt

Jacqueline 'Jackie' Mary (Botting) Wendlandt, 75, passed away on Thursday, April 16, 2026, at her home surrounded by her family. Jackie was born in Racine on April 8, 1951, the daughter of the late Ruth (Mansell) and Richard 'Dick' Botting. Jackie attended grade school at St. Rita Catholic School and graduated from Horlick High School in 1969. She earned her bachelor's degree in elementary education from UW-Whitewater in 1973.

Jackie married William 'Bill' Wendlandt on June 9, 1973, at St. Rita Catholic Church in Caledonia.

A lifelong educator, Jackie taught elementary school in both public and parochial schools in Wisconsin and finished her career at the North Slope Borough School District in Utqiagvik (Barrow), Alaska.

Jackie was fiercely loyal in her faith. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, friend, and neighbor.

She inspired her daughters through her independent spirit and adventurous ways - from paleontology digs in the Plains, dog sledding in northern Minnesota and Yellowstone National Park, teaching in the Arctic, to hiking various mountain ranges. Jackie was passionate about protecting our environment, supporting state and national parks, and spending time outdoors, whether snowshoeing, camping, or kayaking. A loving grandmother, Jackie spent her summers in Silverton, Colorado, embraced in love by her grandson, Wilder.

She is survived by her husband, Bill Wendlandt, and two daughters, Ruth and Sarah Wendlandt (Jordan Bierma), and her grandson, Wilder Bierma.