Jacqueline Mae (Kniefel) Lind of Lilydale, Minnesota, died on August 29. 2023 from natural causes, following lifelong challenges with lupus, Sjogrens, lymphoma, and rheumatoid arthritis. She was actively engaged in public awareness of these diseases and promoted education and support for patients. She was born in Owatonna, Minnesota, on March 9, 1947.

Jackie received a Master of Arts in Leadership in 1994 from Augsburg University, Minneapolis, MN, where she also received a degree in Elementary Education in 1969. She taught students and teachers in the Minneapolis Public Schools in the 1970's, specializing in elementary science. She is a 1965 graduate of Medford, MN, High School.

In 2004, she retired from a 26-year public service career with the State of Minnesota departments of Natural Resources, Energy, Environmental Education, Employee Relations, and Transportation. As a manager, her programs promoted energy conservation, environmental education for children and adults, and the protection of our natural resources. As a training director, she led leadership development programs for employees. Jackie presented seminars on organizational change, including 13 years for the College of St. Catherine. She retired again in 2013 as the Volunteer Coordinator for the Airport Foundation at the Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport.

Volunteerism was a dedicated part of Jackie's life. She was a charter member and president of the Lupus Foundation of Minnesota, serving on its board of directors for the nonprofit's first twenty years. She was president of the Augsburg University Alumni Association, on the Board of Directors for the Weavers Guild of Minnesota, and a charter member and officer of the Pressing Iron and Trivet Collectors of America. She volunteered for Freshwater, the Midwest Weavers Association, and Goodwill-Easter Seals Minnesota. In addition to valued time with friends, she enjoyed weaving and textile arts, antiques, reading, travel, and learning classical guitar. She was grateful for friends, colleagues, and teachers who were always there for her, often for decades. She is preceded in death by her parents: Herbert and Lorraine (Skalisky) Kniefel; survived by brothers James (Lanette) Kniefel of Medford, MN, and John (Patricia) Kniefel of Maple Grove, MN; nephew Keith (Amber) Kniefel; nieces Pamela (Jesse) Heinz, Melanie (Chris) Trautman, and Molly (Elliot) McSherry; and nine great-nieces and nephews.

Memorials in lieu of flowers may be sent to Freshwater, The Nature Conservancy, and Augsburg University. Burial will be at St. John's Lutheran Cemetery, Owatonna, MN.  A memorial service will be held at a later date.