Peggy JoEllyn Jones

Peggy JoEllyn Bennett Jones passed away at home on Tuesday, September 26th, with her family by her side after battling cancer for nearly three years.  Her courage, faith, and sense of humor inspires and comforts her family.

Peggy came into the world during a major blizzard in Carroll, Iowa on November 25, 1952.  Throughout her childhood she could most often be found either at the pool or with her nose in a book.  She swam competitively for many years, including at the University of Iowa.  She met her future husband Al while lifeguarding at the university pool.  They were married in August, 1975 in Iowa City and recently celebrated their 48th wedding anniversary. 

Peggy graduated from Manning High School in 1971, and the University of Iowa in 1975 with a B.S. in dental hygiene.  Although she worked for several years as a dental hygienist, she found her true calling in Eau Claire as an often-requested substitute teacher, particularly at Meadowview Elementary. 

In addition to supporting children’s educational opportunities, Peggy passionately believed in the role children’s sports play in building self-esteem and confidence.  She served as president of the YMCA swim team and head coach.  She and a dear friend co-founded the E.C. Air Volleyball team in the mid-90s to expand opportunities for Eau Claire girls to participate in volleyball “off season”.  The volleyball club, began with a single team and has since grown to 18 teams, some competing at the national level, and has served over 2,500 girls and boys.

Peggy was an avid reader and lover of history.  For many years she was an enthusiastic participant in a local book club and thoroughly enjoyed discussing literature and the many friendships she made there.  Over the years, Peggy loved spending time outside camping with her family, biking, scuba diving, and hiking.

Peggy is survived by her husband Al, daughters Elizabeth (Nigel) and Melissa (Craig) and five grandchildren, a sister-in-law, and a niece and nephew.  She is preceded in death by her parents, an uncle, her brother, her mother and father-in-law, and many aunts and uncles-in-law who treated Peggy like family.

The family wishes to extend their deepest gratitude for the professional and compassionate care Peggy received by the team of nurses and doctors at Mayo Health System in Eau Claire, especially in the oncology department and the 4th and 5th floor nurses in the hospital.  In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to:  the Eau Claire Public Schools Foundation; Beaver Creek Reserve; and the UW-Eau Claire Foundation.  Generous donations of blood extended Peggy’s life for eight treasured weeks.  The family encourages all who are eligible to donate this valuable gift, for which there is no substitute, by contacting their local Red Cross or blood bank.

A memorial service will take place at 11 am on Tuesday, October 3, 2023 at Hulke Family Funeral Home with Pastor Debra Boynton officiating.  A memorial visitation will take place at the funeral home on that day from 9 am until the time of service. At the visitation and service, the family will invite all attending to join them in sharing a meal at 12:30 at another location.

Friends and family may offer condolences online at www.hulkefamilyfh.com.   Hulke Family Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 3209 Rudolph Road, Eau Claire, WI 54701 is assisting the family with the arrangements.  

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.