Paul Philip Jackley
Paul Philip Jackley, 89, of Bagley passed away on Sunday, Sept. 4, at his home following an extended illness.
He and his twin sister Pauline were born Aug. 1, 1927 in Bagley to Alfred and Evelyn (Bailey) Jackley. He attended grade school in Bagley and also St. Cloud, Minn. while living with their aunt and uncle Metzroth. Paul graduated from high school in Mt. Sterling, Ill. at the age of 16. On his 17th birthday he joined the U.S. Merchant Marines. He attended training in New York City and retired as a 1st Engineer after sailing for 27 years. He sailed during WWII, the Korean Conflict and the Vietnam War. He married Carol McKinney and they later divorced. He married Ruth (Lawson) Geisler on Dec. 3, 1975. They lived in Prairie du Chien and later built a retirement home in Bagley. Together they enjoyed traveling and spent winters in Texas, Alabama and Florida. Paul was an avid fisherman and spent many happy hours on the Mississippi River. He was baptized and confirmed in the Zion Lutheran Church in Bagley where he was an active member of the church council. He was a past member of the West Grant Lion’s Club and the Bagley Fire Dept.
He is survived by his wife Ruth of Bagley; his daughters, Jean (Dan) Blake of Prairie du Chien and Leatha Jackley of Bagley; his son Forest Jackley of Bloomington; his stepchildren Kris Smith of Richland Center, David Geisler of Ft. Collins, Colo., Paul Geisler of Palm Bay, Fla. and Karen Loper of Bagley; a sister Rita Conley of Rock Falls, Ill., ten grandchildren and ten great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; his twin sister; four brothers and four sisters.
Funeral services will be Thursday, Sept. 8, at 11 a.m. at the Zion Lutheran Church, Pastor Pamela Strakeljahn officiating with burial in the Bagley Cemetery both in Bagley. Friends may call at the church on Thursday from 10 a.m. until the time of services. In lieu of flowers memorials are preferred to the Zion Lutheran Church. The Garrity Funeral Home of Prairie du Chien is assisting the family.