Address
Locke on 4th
1519 W 4th St.
Waterloo, IA 50702
Jacqueline ‘Jackie’ Denise Sverdahl
February 16, 1932 – August 10, 2026
Jacqueline Sverdahl of Waterloo passed away Monday, August 10, 2026 at her residence in Waterloo. She was 94 years old.
Jackie was born on February 16, 1932 in Waterloo, IA to William and Mabel (Shissler) Luehr. She graduated from Waterloo West High School in 1950. That same year she married Rollie Sverdahl, to whom she was married for 26 years. Together they had three children they raised in Waterloo.
In 1966 she opened the Homestead House on Kimball, which she owned until 1973 and which became a fixture in the area for many years. In 1991 she began working at Friendship Village, where she also lived in her later years. She served in a variety of positions at Friendship over her 20 years of employment there.
Jackie was an avid reader and spent most of her free time with a book in her hand. She enjoyed traveling and visited many places around the world throughout her life. As a lover of old houses and interior design, she especially enjoyed her trips to European estates and her trip to the Biltmore in Asheville was a particular favorite. Jackie also enjoyed golf and could often be found on the tennis court.
Jackie is survived by her daughters Billie (David) Thomas, Fairfax, VA and Debra (Michael) Bancroft, Cedar Falls, IA; son Jeff (Laurie) Sverdahl, Palm Beach Gardens, FL; four grandchildren Courtney Thomas, Betsy Gross, Kyle Sverdahl and Kelsey Sverdahl; and three great grandchildren Camden Gross, Berkeley Gross and Lincoln Gross.
She is preceded in death by her father William Luehr, mother Mabel Luehr, sister Kay DeRosia and son-in-law Michael Bancroft.
A private family burial will be held at Fairview Cemetery in Waterloo.
Seeing this brings back so many memories. My sincere condolences Deb to you & family.
My beautiful Jackie oh how I’ll miss you forever. I’ll cherish the mornings talking about books you’re reading, or the ducks in the bond. 😭 you were definitely one of a kind and I’ll miss you forever. I pray your Heaven is all you dreamed it to be. Love you always beautiful soul. To her family the girls Billie I’m so sorry I pray you find comfort knowing she cherished her time with you so much. Deb she loved having you so close for that time being. I’m praying for comfort for all of you at this time. Rest easy Jackie
I worked with Jackie for 13 years at Friendship Village where we shared an office. We shared many stories and laughs as we interacted with the residents. She was a fun person. My sympathies to her family. May she rest in peace.
Billie,
I am so sorry to read that your lovely mom died. What a pillar of strength she showed to anyone who knew her.
I’d love to see you whenever you are home.
I think your David and my Tim would have a lot in common.
Kathy McCoy
To Jackie’s family and friends: Jackie was a joy to know and to work with. She was especially proud of her family. Her decorating skills were well appreciated as she looked over everything with a keen eye and selected pieces to accent decor as well as serve a purpose. I especially appreciated her “inside” view once she moved to FV, and her suggestions for improvement. Thanks for sharing her with us!