Jacqueline Michaeline "Jackie" Hartnett

Jacqueline Michaeline “Jackie” Hartnett, 89, of Hubbard, NE, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, July 19, 2022, surrounded by family.

Public visitation will be held from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m., with a Vigil Service at 7:00 p.m., on Wednesday, July 27, 2022 at Meyer Brothers Colonial Chapel. A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, July 28, 2022 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Hubbard, followed by burial at Saint Mary’s Cemetery in Hubbard. Online condolences may be directed to www.meyerbroschapels.com.

Jackie was born on October 6, 1932, in Sioux City, to John Francis and Cecelia (Sullivan) Cahill of South Sioux City. She attended elementary school in South Sioux City and later enrolled at Bishop Heelan Catholic High School, where, in 1950, she was a member of the school’s first graduating class.

Jackie married the love of her life, Jim Hartnett, on February 5, 1951, and together they lived in Hubbard for over 70 years. While raising a family of nine children, they partnered to build a successful farming operation. Jackie was head of logistics for J. Hartnett Farms – a Herculean, daily undertaking that she did with aplomb. Jackie was awake before everyone – cooking  suppers and dinners for armies of family members and hired men; running down parts to keep equipment humming; keeping the books; moving implements, her own sons, and men across miles of fields for their next task; preparing and transporting meals across the farm – from The Swamp to The Flat to The Horse Shoe;   and, to the great frustration of both, sometimes helping Jim sort cattle or hogs. Jackie’s work continued late into the evening: cooking, washing, shopping, mending clothes, acting as a medic for her kids’ bruises and cuts, and – sometimes in vain – getting everyone to bed at a decent hour.

In her forties, Jackie accomplished her long-term goal of becoming a licensed nurse. In addition, Jackie was a dedicated and resolute public servant for over thirty years. She was elected to five successive terms as a Dakota County Commissioner. She also served for six years on the board of NACO, a statewide association representing all county-level officials. Jackie proudly served as President of the Association in 1997. Jackie spent her final years in health care as a frequent volunteer in Mercy One’s intensive care unit.

Jackie was a lifelong, proud Catholic. Her deep and abiding faith drove her to shower others with love, care, service, and counsel. She spent every morning on her knees in prayer. Her favorite curse, “Jesus Mercy!,” was also a profound, and brief, prayer in moments of exasperation. Jackie was a decades-long member of Saint Mary’s Catholic Church in Hubbard. She and Jim donated the funds for the construction of the parish center that has been the site of countless church, community, and family events. Jackie supported St. Mary’s as ector, and member of the Altar Society. She was active in Catholic Daughters of America and the Northeast Nebraska Catholic Deanery. Jim and Jackie’s generous contributions to Bishop Heelan Catholic Schools are commemorated with a plaque designating the English Department in their names.

Jackie loved good books, classic movies, and Broadway show tunes. She was a wicked bridge player and dominated all types of board games. Jackie was an excellent writer – her handwritten cards and letters are cherished by their recipients. Her innate style was warm, elegant, and admired.

Jackie’s personality and intellect were enormous. She was effortlessly charming and so accessible. Once you met Jackie, you were her friend for life. Jackie’s wit and grace were renowned – she instantly connected with anyone:  hired men, patients, bridge groups, church members, and her Hubbard neighbors. She had the rare gift of making you feel like you were the only other person in a room full of people. Jackie was singular. For her loved ones, there will never be another like her.

Most importantly, Jackie’s love for her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren was boundless – she treasured each of them. She was a wise and comforting matriarch to three generations of Hartnetts and their loved ones. Jackie relished spending time with her large and raucous family. At holidays and family gatherings, Jackie was always surrounded by a cadre of her adult children, grandchildren, and usually, one or two great-grandbabies on her lap. No family event was complete until Jackie led everyone in Grace before a meal. She ended the prayer by saying, “Thank you, Lord, for letting us all be together.”

Jackie is survived her children: Ron (Roxi) Hartnett, Dakota City; Mary Dostal, Boulder, Colorado; Joe (Pam) Hartnett, Elkhorn; Daniel (Eileen) Hartnett, Dakota Dunes; Katy (Dan) Hertzel, Lincoln; Beth (Russ) Fuchser, Gilbert, Arizona; Amy (Dan) Brower, Dakota Dunes; Jennifer (Michael) Pattee, Hubbard; Jean Hartnett, Omaha; 31 grandchildren and 31 great-grandchildren; her sister, Joanne (Toots) Mast, South Sioux City, and brother, Tim Cahill, New York City.

Memorials may be directed to St. Mary's Cemetery Fund.