Breta Ann Jackson

Breta Ann Jackson lived a life defined by devotion, to her family, her work, and above all, to her husband, Denny.

Born October 10, 1941, in Mason City, Iowa, and raised in Northwood, Iowa, she carried her Midwest roots with pride throughout her 84 years. After graduating in 1959, she met Denny. They fell fast, married young, and built a remarkable 62-year love story grounded in love and partnership.

Together they built a business, Midwest Bowling and Billiard Supply in Omaha, becoming fixtures in the Nebraska bowling community. In 2012, Breta was honored with induction into the Greater Omaha Area Bowling Hall of Fame, in recognition of her dedication and influence.

But her greatest joy was showing up. She was there, in the stands at baseball games, on the bleachers at wrestling matches, in the auditorium for band concerts, front row at dance recitals, cheering at basketball games. She believed that love meant presence, and she practiced it faithfully. Her children, Kelly (Jim) Kingsley, Darin (Becci) Jackson, and Nicole (Craig) Long, and her grandchildren Maggie (Cody)Wragge, Molly (Justin) Bruggemann, Blake Jackson, Bryce Jackson, Benjamin Jackson, Riley Long, and Camryn Long knew they were deeply loved. Her five great-grandchildren, Brooks, Abel, and Barrett Wragge, and Blair and Baker Brueggemann, were a continued blessing to her.

In retirement in Mesa, Arizona, Breta’s creative spirit flourished. She poured her artistry into painting gourds, proudly displaying her work at craft shows beside Denny’s wood carvings, still side by side, just as they had always been.

She is survived by her husband Denny; her children and grandchildren; her sisters Mary (Lonnie) Hopperstad and Sonya Dahle. She was preceded in death by her parents, Howe and Nora Pacey, and her sister Jane Grosland.

Her life was beautiful not because it was loud, but because it was steady, faithful, and full of love.