Jacqueline “Jackie” Wieser (nee Krygier), age 56, of Schererville, Indiana, passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 24, 2026, with her devoted husband, Jim, at her side. Jackie was known to her family and friends for her sweet, effervescent spirit- a light that never dimmed, even throughout her courageous 17-year battle with cancer. Her grace, resilience, and quiet strength will remain her enduring legacy to all who were fortunate enough to have known her.
A lifelong resident of Northwest Indiana, Jackie was a proud graduate of Valparaiso University and a retired teacher from Munster High School. Above all else, she was a loving wife and mother who brought boundless energy, encouragement, and joy to everything she did. Jackie devoted her life to supporting Jim’s community service and the athletic pursuits of her sons, all while nurturing relationships with cherished family and friends. Her warm smile, kind presence, and unwavering perseverance will be deeply missed.
Jackie is survived by her husband, Jim Wieser; her loving sons, Frank, (Alyza Mandujano) Podkul and Nick (Gabi Carra) Podkul; her dear stepchildren, Pat (Kelly) Wieser, Carlee (Daniel) Klein, and Paige (Nik Applegate) Wieser; and her cherished grandchildren, Carter, Davis, Ambrose, and Kayce. She is also survived by her dear stepmother Cathy (Bob) Krygier; her loving sisters, Pam (Mike) Hurst and Becky (Bill) Stambaugh, and loving brother, Bob (Sandy) Krygier, her nieces and nephews, Jacob (Carly) Hurst, Elena Hurst, Zach Stambaugh, Clay Stambaugh, and many extended family members. Jackie was preceded in death by her former husband, Frank Podkul; her parents, Robert (Bob) and Margaret (Peggy Hafner) Krygier; her niece, Elizabeth Hurst; her grandparents; and many beloved extended family members.
A celebration of Jackie’s life will be held on Sunday, February 1, 2026, with visitation from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Elmwood Funeral Chapel, 11300 W. 97th Lane, St. John, Indiana. Funeral services will take place on Monday, February 2, 2026, DIRECTLY at Holy Name Catholic Church, 11000 W. 133rd Avenue, Cedar Lake, Indiana, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Chapel Lawn Memorial Gardens Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Jackie’s honor to Care In Motion: Trusted Home Care in NW Indiana & Illinois or Hospice of the Calumet Area. These compassionate organizations cared for Jackie and her family with extraordinary kindness, blessing them with the precious gift of time.
DIRECTLY at Holy Name Catholic Church
Monday, February 2, 2026 - 10:00 am
Funeral Mass:
Holy Name Catholic Church
11000 W. 133rd Ave.
Cedar Lake, Indiana 46303
Monday, February 2, 2026 - 10:00 am
Interment:
Chapel Lawn Memorial Gardens
8178 Cline Ave.
Crown Point, Indiana 46307
Memorial Contributions:
St. John
11300 W. 97th Lane
St. John, IN 46373
(219) 365-3474
Sunday, February 1, 2026 - 1:00 pm until 7:00 pm