Jacqueline Lee Hambleton

Minnesota artist, Jacqueline Lee Hambleton, age 88, peacefully passed away March 22nd, in Brainerd, MN.

Jackie was born to Ida and Merle Hemerick in Worthington, MN, August 6, 1937.

She met her future husband, Gary Hambleton of Isle, MN, while attending high school in Onamia just a few miles away. They married in 1959.

A dedicated mother to five children, Jackie filled her home with acceptance, love, and laughter. She applied common sense and creativity to her household management, obtaining balance and elegance in her every day life. She dabbled in bookkeeping and real estate, and after her children were grown, took a class in International Trade just for fun. Jackie surprised everyone by passing a commercial big rig driving class, joining her husband on interstate trucking jobs and adventures.

With many creative interests and talents (fiber arts and ceramics to name just a couple), Jackie's true passion was revealed later in life. After refining her skills with acrylic paints, this self-taught artist created many magical moments on canvas, the majority of them nature themed.

Jackie is preceded in death by her husband Gary Hambleton and sister Joyce Simmerman.

She is survived by her younger brother Rodney Hemerick; her children, Nancy Jo Hambleton, Pamela Schramel, Jill (Brian) O’Donnell, David (Cassie) Hambleton, Kelly Hambleton, thirteen grandchildren and one great grandchild.

A service will be held in the chapel at Edgewood Brainerd, Sunday May 3, 2026, at 1:00 p.m., 14890 Beaver Dam Road N, Brainerd, MN, 56401, with a light luncheon to follow. Jackie's interment ceremony will be held the following day, Monday, May 4th, 2026, at 12:00 noon at the Minnesota Veteran’s Cemetery (adjacent to Camp Ripley), Little Falls, MN. Arrangements are with the Koop Funeral Home in Crosby.

Correspondence can be mailed to: Nancy Jo Hambleton, 1015 Oslo Street, Worthington, MN 56187.

Jackie had a special attachment to the Nobles County Art Center that featured her paintings in their art shows. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the center in her honor: 407 12th Street, Worthington, MN, 56187.