Jackie Lee Noetzelman

Jackie Lee (Payne) Noetzelman, age 57, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family and friends on Tuesday, February 28, 2023, at Alomere Health in Alexandria having battled Alzheimer’s for many years.

She was a beloved wife, daughter, sister, mother and friend and an active member in the Alexandria community. Jackie was born on May 24, 1965, in Starbuck, Minnesota to parents Kenneth and Janice (Hagen) Payne. Her family moved to the Twin Cities, where she graduated from Armstrong High School. Jackie attended Saint Cloud State University and was a Minnesota Vikings Cheerleader. She majored in Mass Communication and after graduation began work as a Field Reporter which brought her to Alexandria.

Shortly after moving to the area, Jackie opened Dancin’ Off Broadway. The dance studio became the light in not only Jackie’s life, but many others in the community. She instilled her love for dance in every dancer, teaching them poise, growing their confidence and how to not only become great dancers but great people. Jackie spent countless weekends at dance competitions, getting to know dance families and fostering personal relationships that the Noetzelman family still holds dear. Jackie had her dancers perform at local fairs, the State Fair, ladies’ lunch-ins, community events and professional sports games. Jackie’s students have become NFL Cheerleaders, professional dancers, touring choreographers and some even opened dance studios of their own.

Jackie was united in marriage to Lane on August 25, 1990, at First Lutheran Church in Alexandria and built a beautiful life together with children Allie and Eric.  As a family, they resided in Alex and owned a family cabin in Crosslake for many years. Jackie’s creativity expanded outside of dance to theatre, photography, graphic design, and party planning.

After 27 years, Jackie sold her studio and soon after was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s. The horrible disease caused Jackie to take a fall in 2021, which required surgery and sped up the advancement of her diagnosis. She then moved to Edgewood’s Memory Care Facility and spent her days with family and close friends.  Jackie became a grandma to Lettie in 2022, with whom she shared a special bond.

She is preceded in death by her mother, Janice (Hagen) Payne.

Jackie is survived by her husband, Lane of Alexandria; children, Allie (husband, Bennett) Black and her daughter, Lettie of Minnetonka; Eric (girlfriend, Flora) Noetzelman of Alexandria; father, Kenneth Payne of Alexandria; sister, Jody Payne of Plymouth; many aunts and uncles, cousins, in-laws, nieces and nephews and wonderful friends that Jackie loved dearly.

A celebration of life service will be held at 2 p.m., Friday, March 10, 2023, at Alexandria Covenant Church with Rev. Hans Dahl officiating. A reception will follow immediately at Broadway Ballroom to continue the celebration of Jackie’s life.

Visitation will take place one hour prior to the service at the church.

A bereavement rate is available at the Hampton Inn in Alexandria, 320-763-3360.