On February 27, 2024, the Lord brought His creation, Christine Marie Jackson, home with Him in His Heavenly realm after lending her presence to us for 70 years.
She was born on May 5, 1953, in Waukegan, Illinois, the daughter of Velma (Beem) and Herbert Sandberg. As a young girl, her family moved from Illinois to Cedar Rapids where she graduated from Kennedy High School in 1971. Chris then attended Grace College in Winona Lake,
Indiana. On August 24, 1974, Chris was united in marriage to Michael Jackson at Noelridge Baptist Church in Cedar Rapids. Two children, Rachel and Andrew, were born to this union. Chris worked for Rockwell Collins in Graphic Design for 10 years. The family moved to Willmar, Minnesota, in 1983 and began fostering children at this time. In 1987 they moved to Edgewood where Chris continued in graphic design working for the Shopping News and then the Edgewood Reminder. Chris then began working at Trinity Methodist Church as the secretary. During these years, she played piano and organ at various area churches, as well as for small groups, high school plays, and Christmas
programs at the Edgewood-Colesburg School District. Chris taught piano lessons for 25 years. She volunteered for Youth for Christ throughout Mike’s career with them. Chris served on the first bond issue committee for the Ed-Co Schools. She was also a host mom for five foreign exchange students. Chris loved reading (especially to her grandsons), cross-stitch, jigsaw puzzles, word games, genealogy, and was an avid fan of the Indy 500. She truly enjoyed the Florida sun and beaches. Most of all, Chris cherished her family and serving the Lord.
Survivors include her husband of 49 years, Mike Jackson of Edgewood; her two children, Rachel (Peter) Bergen of Castle Rock, Colorado, and Andrew (Leah) Jackson of Cottage Grove, Minnesota; two grandchildren, Jonah and Knox Jackson; and sister, Debora (Frank) Piccolo of Houston, Texas.
Chris was preceded in death by her parents.
The family has many thanks for the staff at MD Anderson, Houston, the doctors at Regional Medical Center and Specialty Clinic, Manchester, Sarah Hartman and Ann Wilson-Bries, the St. Croix Hospice staff – Emily, Reese, Tessa, and Mitchell, and to all the caring people in our local communities and churches. Also special thanks to the staff of Leonard-Muller Funeral Home. You have been ever so helpful over these past four years as Chris battled her bone marrow cancer.
Online condolences may be sent to www.leonard-mullerfh.com.
Memorial Service: 10:30 a.m., on Monday, March 4, 2024, at Edgewood Bible Church, in Edgewood, Iowa, with Pastor Jim Rinehart officiating.
Visitation: 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., on Sunday, March 3, 2024, at Leonard-Muller Funeral Home in Edgewood, Iowa. Friends may also call an hour before the service at the church on Monday.
Inurnment: Edgewood Cemetery, Edgewood, Iowa
