Mpls - Jacqueline "Jackie" Marie Holmbeck, born April 8, 1950 in Hibbing, MN, passed peacefully on June 30th, 2025. Jackie was a true intellect, lifelong academic, educator, courageous spirit, environmentalist, and political activist. She held many hobbies and passions including: gardening, reading, music, travel, berry picking, hiking, baking, crafts, and cooking. Jackie had a passion and true gift for languages. She obtained her undergraduate degree from the University of Minnesota in Communication Disorders, and her Master's degree in Speech and Language Pathology from Mankato State University. She worked as a child speech and language pathologist within the Osseo school district for over 30 years, and continued to provide volunteer educational services to underserved communities, as well as continue to learn new languages herself in retirement. Her career and life experiences nurtured the development of a special bond and understanding of children. She was reknowned by all who knew her as an expert in child development and psychology, and her family and friends' children were often direct beneficiaries of Jackie's knowledge, expertise, and caring nature. She loved her grandchildren Logan (5) and Nova (3) deeply, and would visit them frequently in New York, where they would hike, swim, and pick many berries, peaches, and apples together. Even at their young ages, she fostered in them a love of language, and physical activity which will continue to serve them throughout their lives. Preceded in death by her loving mother Olga, sisters Charlotte and Claudia, brother Donny, and son Samuel. Survived by her brothers Bobby, Ken, and David, sister Judy, son Jacob and daughter-in-law Renate, grandchildren Logan and Nova, and many nieces, nephews, and close friends. She will be remembered for her wit, fortitude, grit, intellect, heart, love of children and animals, her strong sense of fairness and justice, and for her ability to recommend the perfect books suited to each individual. Her family extends a warm welcome to all who knew and loved her, including former students, to her Celebration of Life to be held July 13 12pm-4pm at Applewood Pointe of Minnetonka - 12201 Minnetonka Blvd. Minnetonka, MN 55305 where we can share stories together about Jackie, and the beautiful ways she touched our lives and souls. To plant a memorial tree in memory of Jackie, please visit our Tree Store. Huber Funeral & Cremation Services Excelsior Chapel 952-474-9595 www.huberfunerals.com