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Wilde’s life to be celebrated on Saturday

A “celebration of life” reception has been scheduled for legendary Fort Dodge volleyball coach, teacher and community activist Jackie Wilde this Saturday.

The Wilde family is hosting the event from 6:30 until 8:30 p.m. at the Soldier Creek Winery in Fort Dodge.

“We want to honor Jackie Wilde the amazing mother, wife, community leader and coach,” said Jackie’s son, Rod Wilde. “During their 40 years in Fort Dodge, my mother and father made great friends and influenced many lives. This celebration is an opportunity for those people to remember her and honor her legacy.”

Jackie passed away in Gold Canyon, Ariz. on April 25 at the age of 85. She had been living there for the last 14 years.

Wilde is survived by her husband, Bruce, and their three children: Rod, Kevin and Cheryl. Their children are all Fort Dodge Senior High graduates.

Jackie Wilde was an FDSH coach and teacher for 22 years, winning 519 matches and guiding the Dodgers to 19 consecutive state tournament appearances, including nine final four appearances and two state titles.

Wilde taught Physical Education and Health.

For 14 years, Wilde also volunteered for USA Volleyball, as the head of the Junior All-American selection committee at their annual championships.

Bruce, who still lives in Arizona; Rod, of Madison, Wis.; Kevin, of Des Moines; and Cheryl, of Apache Junction, Ari. plan to attend the event. Light appetizers will be served.

In lieu of gifts or flowers, the family has set up a Jackie Wilde Memorial Scholarship Fund through the Fort Dodge Community Schools Foundation. The scholarship will be given to a member of the FDSH volleyball team who shows dedication, hard work and leadership.

Contributions may be sent to the Fort Dodge Community Schools Foundation, c/o Jackie Wilde Memorial Fund; 104 S. 17th St; Fort Dodge, IA 50501

For more information, please contact Fort Dodge Community Schools Foundation Director Molly Nelson at (515) 574-5327 or mnelson@fdcsfoundation.org

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