Jacquelyn A Hegstad

Jacquelyn (Jackie) Ann Hegstad passed away peacefully, surrounded by family at home with Hospice Care in Scottsdale, Arizona on August 27, 2026.

Jackie was born on April 5th, 1936, in Buxton North Dakota to Mary and Lester Johnson. She was the youngest of eight children. Growing up in Buxton, Jackie was already the adventurer, operating her own popcorn stand at age 7 and in later years, going on fun-filled road trips with her sister Violet and friends.

After graduating from Buxton High School, Jackie earned her bachelor’s degree at the University of North Dakota. She then went on to obtain a Master of Arts at the University of Minnesota and a Master of Science at North Dakota State University. Jackie also obtained a Secondary Professional Guidance credential. She taught briefly in Rush City, MN during these years. Jackie took much pride in her education and was active in numerous campus activities while making life-long friendships.

Jackie married her true love and best friend, Joe Hegstad, on August 20, 1966. They celebrated 50 years of marriage together. During that time, they embraced a life-long exciting journey together. Jackie and Joe lived in Fargo, North Dakota, Washington DC, Colorado, and Kansas City, Missouri, before settling down in Minot, North Dakota in 1970. In Minot, Jackie was extensively involved in musical and cultural activities and enjoyed entertaining in their home.

Jackie became a guidance counselor and respected faculty member at the Minot High School, Magic City campus, where she remained until her retirement. Jackie also partnered with Joe’s music career at Minot State University, traveling extensively with the MSU concert choir and Heritage Singers on multiple European tours and making yearly trips to Vail, Colorado with the Vagabonds to perform the Easter Sunrise Service. Jackie was herself a source of fun, guidance, support and inspiration to the singers and students at MSU as she was with her high school students. Jackie and Joe helped to establish the Dr. Joseph Hegstad and Jackie Hegstad Music Scholarship at Minot State and served on the first Board of Directors for the Scandinavian Heritage Association.

Jackie and Joe welcomed numerous celebrities over the years at the annual Hostfest Festival in Minot and made frequent trips home to visit family and at times, enjoy a few days in Minneapolis.

Jackie served on many organizations and received several professional accolades throughout her career including Outstanding Leader in American Education, Outstanding Achievement in ND School Counselors, FBLA Outstanding Service Award, recognition as a National Certified Counselor by the national board of counselors, member of the ND Council on Vocational Education and member of the Minot Women’s Symphony association.

In 1995 Jackie and Joe moved to Scottsdale, Arizona. In Scottsdale they continued to be active in community musical, cultural, and social activities. Much attention being paid to seeking out and enjoying all restaurants in the entire area on a regular basis (particular attention given by Jackie in discovering delicious chocolate desserts)!

Jackie lived to have fun and to create memories. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered for her many talents, strong Christian faith, and devotion to family. One of Jackie’s greatest joys was celebrating 50 years of marriage with Joe. connecting with people and taking a genuine interest in their lives. Jackie was the ultimate cheerleader and supporter, seeing the beauty, goodness, and potential within people.

Jackie was preceded in death by her loving husband, Joe, who passed in 2017; her parents, Lester and Mary Johnson; her sister, Violet (Art); and brothers, Donald, Lloyd, Douglas (Florence), Alan (Claire); and infant sisters, Blanche and Dorothy. Jackie is survived by numerous nieces and nephews along with their families; and sister-in law, Ardis (Don) Zimney.

Funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, September 10 at Calvary Lutheran Church in Grand Forks. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery in Grand Forks.

The family requests that memorial donations be made to the Dr. Joseph Hegstad and Jackie Hegstad Music Scholarship at Minot State University or to an organization of your choosing.