Jacqueline J. "Jackie" Budreau's Obituary
Jacqueline Joyce "Jackie" Budreau, 81, beloved wife, best friend and soulmate of Larry “Bear” Budreau for the better part of 37 years, passed away peacefully at their home in Baraga on Monday, March 10, 2025, surrounded by her husband and children.
Jackie was born in Dearborn, Michigan on August 3,1943, to Dewey & Phyllis (Palise) Clayton. She was the eldest of their three children. Jackie moved to Baraga in 1977 and became a successful entrepreneur, owning and operating Mrs. Jones’ Joint for 29 years. Here is where she met the true love of her life–her soulmate, best friend, and husband, Larry Budreau. They were married October 19, 1991 in Nisula, Michigan.
Through their many years together they shared several wonderful pastimes. In their early years
of marriage, they spent their summers riding Bear’s Harley. It wasn’t unusual for them to put on
several hundreds of miles during their day-trip rides. Jackie had quite a special gift while riding
on the back of the bike–she could fall asleep knowing she had her Bear to hang on to all along
the way. They also loved to go rummaging, looking for treasures along the way. Jackie loved to
look for craft ideas. She had a talented gift for making cute crafts. She enjoyed this hobby for
many years. This past summer, Bear built her an adorable she- shed, which they christened,
Little Cabin on the Hill Resale. This is where Jackie set up shop to sell her crafts and treasures.
Their absolute favorite pastime was Jeeping. They made dear friends with the people in their
Jeep Crew and enjoyed their many excursions over the years. Bear and Jackie would take their
own long rides all over the U.P. looking for quiet lakes & streams, beautiful new scenery to
explore, and fresh treks to climb to test their (her) bravery. Jackie would pack picnic lunches for
her and Bear to enjoy, always searching for a new and special spot. They would spend hours
upon hours in the woods, just the two of them, enjoying God’s beauty and each other. They had
a bond like no other. They were true soulmates.
Jackie was loved by everyone that met her. During her time running the tavern, she made
countless friends and built quite a following of her regular customers. Later, she went on to work
as a clerk at Northern Oil where she made another group of countless friends, met cherished
coworkers and her special customers, affectionately known as her “Coffee Club”. She was the
Queen of the North.
Bear and Jackie worshipped at the Alston Apostolic Lutheran Church, where they were
embraced by this community and became family. They would like to say a very special thank
you to Pastor Ed and all he has done for them throughout the years of Jackie’s illness to help
provide comfort, love, support, peace, faith, and friendship. The significance of the presence of
him in their life can never be put into words. They will be forever grateful to him.
Jackie developed a deep love and friendship with the members of the Mennonite community.
They were so good to her during her long illness–showering her with food, visits, prayer chains,
and faithfully coming every Christmastime to sing carols. She embraced their love, support and
kindness, and felt so grateful to have them in her life.
Jackie and Bear would also like to thank her amazing care givers at Portage Hospital and
Baraga County Home Care & Hospice, as they gave her the best care imaginable. Michelle
and Dale were a blessing. Given Jackie’s natural ability to be loved by all, it is not surprising that
she became the favorite patient of many of her care providers. Another special thanks to her
rehab team. Heather and Jackie made a very special friendship.
Jackie gave her children a blessed and wonderful life. She was an amazing mother, grandma,
and great-grandma.
Jacqueline is survived by her husband, Larry Budreau, son Dan (Lara) Oles of Kaleva,
Michigan, daughter Ethel Wilkey-Downs of Kalamazoo, son John Jones of Baraga, her
grandchildren Steven (Jenny) Oles of La Crosse, Wisconsin, Mitchell Wilkey of Kalamazoo,
Clayton (Madison) Wilkey of Kalamazoo, step grandchildren Taylor and Brock Downs, Lauren
Stromer, Meagan Stromer, Charlotte Loonsfoot, Darrien Jaikkuri, Breonna Jones, Jordin Jones, great grandchildren Austin Rae Wilkey, Emmet Mitchell Wilkey, Till and Evelynn Oles, brother Robert (Annette) Clayton of Dearborn Heights, Sister-in-Law Carrie (Darin) Sikkila and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Dewey and Phyllis Clayton, mother-in-law Ginny
Budreau father-in-law Bruce Budreau, sister Charlotte Chaskins, and son-in-law Richard Downs.
There are no services scheduled at this time.
The Reid Funeral Service and Chapel, L’Anse has been entrusted with the arrangements.
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