Obituary: Jacqueline “Jackie” Lau

October 4, 1935 ~ May 6, 2022

Jacqueline Inez Lau (Bavry), age 86, of Sturgeon Bay, WI died May 6, 2022. She was born October 4, 1935, to the late Rudolph and Rhoda Bavry in Egg Harbor, WI.

Jackie “Mom” “G-Ma” “GG” “Bestemor” enjoyed living. She was outspoken, fun, and curious. Her organizational talent served her well in a variety of industries, including 16 years at Palmer Johnson as a purchasing assistant. She made lifelong friends and went on many adventures, especially during her time in Florida. Retired at 77, Jackie stayed busy. She was proud to help out at her daughter & son-in-law’s grocery store, Econo Foods. She poured herself into Sons of Norway H.R. Holand Lodge, of which she was a dedicated board member. She was thrilled to make the journey to her ancestral home country of Norway.

Jackie had a beautiful singing voice and devoured books. She was the family ‘Avon Lady’ and always had gorgeous nails. She was an active listener and enjoyed regular phone calls with friends. She delighted in letter writing! You could count on Jackie to bring her homemade beans to the gathering; you could count on Jackie to speak her mind.

She taught her grandkids how to divide an aloe plant, make pie crust, and mix a gimlet. Her alterations and craft creations will be remembered as cherished objects. Jackie is desperately missed.

She is survived by her five children with the late Richard Lau: Diana (Dave) Tadych, Iron Mountain, MI; Steve (Julie) Lau, Riverview, FL; Nancy (Tom) Drager, Sturgeon Bay, WI; Dave (Cheryl) Irving, NY; and Rebecca Schmelzer. Fourteen Grandchildren: Mandi (Wayne) Hurkmans; Jesse Tadych; Lindsy (Mario) Alessandrini; Kendall (Chase) Lafave; RJ (Ambar) Lau; Shenna (Michael) Cox; Joe (Kristie) Drager; Nathan (Erin) Drager; Stephanie Lau; Charolette (Marcus) Baierl; Michael Schmelzer; Samuel Schmelzer; Jacob (Maggie) Schmelzer; Patrick (Jamee) Schmelzer; Megan (Eddie) Vanderhoof. Fourteen great-grandchildren: Luke, Hailey, and Alex Schmelzer; Zada Inez and Nora James Johnson; Blair Marker; Mady and Owen Hurkmans; Kinslee and Asher Alessandrini; Hudson Lafave; James and Jordan Helgeson; Parrish Lau. Jackie is also survived by her nieces and nephews, including her beloved nephew Bob Vertz of Madeira Beach, FL.

She was preceded in death by her siblings.

Jackie’s family would like to thank the health team at Door County Medical Center and Unity Hospice for their loving care.

A service and celebration of life will be held Friday, June 17, 2022, at Forbes Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 1 p.m. until the time of service at 3 p.m. Jackie was an active and engaged citizen. You may have seen her bumper sticker “Why would a woman vote for a Republican?” In memory of Jackie, make social justice a feature of your life.