Jacklyn "Snooky" Starr Bredeson

Jacklyn “Snooky” Starr Bredeson, age 87, of Oconto Falls, WI, passed away Tuesday, January 14, 2026, in San Antonio, TX, after a brief illness while visiting her son and his family. She was born March 22, 1938, in Green Bay, WI, daughter of the late Wallace R. and Loretta (Benzinger) Hansen and was a proud graduate of Green Bay East High School, Class of 1956.

After graduation, Jackie continued her education at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, earning her bachelor’s degree in 1960. She went on to dedicate 36 years to teaching art and home economics in Oconto Falls, WI, where she inspired generations of students with her creativity, warmth, and encouragement. She also served as Art Department Chairman for the Wisconsin Art Teachers Association, reflecting her passion for the arts and her commitment to education.

On July 10, 1961, Jackie married Ronald O. Bredesen in Green Bay, WI. Together they shared 59 wonderful years of marriage before Ron’s passing on August 8, 2020.

While Jackie’s life was filled with accomplishments, it was her personality and love of people that truly defined her. To friends and family, she-affectionately known as “Snooky”-was legendary for her love of entertaining and celebrations. She was always preparing for the next party, often before the previous one had even been cleaned up. Cooking was at the heart of her hosting, and she took great joy in preparing meals for friends and family, filling her home not only with laughter and conversation, but with the warmth and comfort that came from food made with love. Gatherings, whether large or small, were never just events to Jackie; they were her way of bringing people together and making them feel truly welcome.

Jackie also found deep happiness in nature. She loved working outdoors and could spend days on end in her gardens, planting flowers and tending to them with care and pride. Gardening was both her creative outlet and her peaceful retreat, and the beauty she cultivated reflected the same care and joy she brought to every part of her life.

An avid golfer, Jackie was a longtime member of River Island Golf Course in Oconto Falls, WI. She was always quick to say she was not a great golfer-and just as quick to explain that it never really mattered. For Jackie, golf was simply another way to enjoy friendship, laughter, and good times with people she cared about. The conversations, camaraderie, and shared stories on the course meant far more to her than any scorecard ever could.

Jackie especially loved escaping the Wisconsin winters to spend time in Florida, where she continued to embrace the lifestyle she loved most. Whether hosting gatherings, a Packer party, cooking for friends, or simply enjoying time together, her days in Florida were filled with the same celebrations, warmth, and hospitality that defined her life back home.

After retirement, Jackie and Ron embraced years of travel and adventure, exploring the world together. Along the way, they collected antiques from nearly every corner of the globe for their antique business-one Jackie jokingly described as being less about business and more about having an excellent excuse to travel. Their journeys filled their lives, and their home, with stories, history, and treasured memories.

Above all else, Jackie cherished her role as a grandmother. Her grandsons, Jace and Cole Bredeson, were the light of her life. She took immense pride in them, followed their lives with joy and interest, and treasured every moment spent together, from everyday conversations to special milestones.

Jackie is survived by her son, Dr. Dan (Jeannine) Bredeson, of Boerne, TX; her grandsons, Cole and Jace Bredeson; and beloved nieces and nephews Erik Hansen, William III (Alicia) Derrah, Christopher Derrah, and Katy (Terry Edwards) Derrah.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; daughter, Laurie (Steve) Mack; brother, John (Nara) Hansen; and sister, Marjorie (Don Glasell) Derrah.

A celebration of Jackie’s life will be held by her family in the summer of 2026. For updated service information or to leave a message of condolence for the family, please visit www.NewcomerGreenBay.com.

In lieu of flowers, small donations directed to the Oconto Area Humane Society (or any other charity you feel appropriate) in Jackie’s name are appreciated.

Jackie’s family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Metropolitan Methodist Hospital and to Altus Hospice for their compassionate care and support.

Jackie will be deeply missed for her amazing personality, joyous outlook on life, and infectious energy. While her presence will be missed every day, her family hopes all who knew her will not dwell solely on the sadness of her passing, but instead feel grateful for the privilege of having shared life, laughter, and love with her.