Private Celebration of Life Services for Jackie Denker, age 64, of Chambers, NE will be held at a later date.  Jackie passed away Thursday, January 30, 2020 at Avera St. Anthony's Hospital in O'Neill.  Biglin's Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

Jacqueline Kay Peterson was born January 8, 1956 in O'Neill, Nebraska to Merle and Velma (Snider) Peterson.  She attended Chambers High School and graduated in 1974.  She went on to attend Northeast Technical College graduating with a Criminal Justice Degree.

She married Robert Denker and to this union two children were born; Robert Jr. and Amanda.  Robert passed away in 2011.  Jackie later married the love of her life, Dennis Long.  They spent the last few years of her life living in Chambers, NE.

Jackie joined the United States Army in 1974 and proudly served for 35 years which included tours of duty in Saudi Arabia and Afghanistan.  During her time served she was Petroleum Heavy Vehicle Operator, Automated Logistical Specialist, Ammunition Specialist, Finance Specialist, and Petroleum Specialist.  She retired as a Master Sergeant in the United States Army.  She went on to serve the Civil Service as an Administrative Specialist for 15 years.

Jackie loved nature and the great outdoors.  She spent many hours outside gardening, chopping, and burning wood.  She enjoyed camping, tubing, and fishing and anything that would give her an opportunity to be outside spending time with her family and friends.

Jackie is survived by her husband, Dennis Long of Chambers, NE; children, Robert Denker, Jr. and children, Amber and Christopher Denker of Janesville, WI; Amanda Gembica and husband Matthew and children, Triniti and Joshua Gembica of Humphrey, NE; siblings, Jim Peterson of Colorado, Jerry (Gerri) Peterson of Chambers, NE, Randy Peterson of Omaha, NE, Mike (Paquita) Peterson of La Palma, CA, Joeline Baratta of Ericson, NE; many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

She is preceded in death by her Dad, Merle Peterson; Mom and Step-Dad, Velma and Orville Metschke; and husband, Robert Denker.