Farmers Weekly Review

By Karen Haave

A crowdfunding campaign to benefit the children of Jodie Lee Ruggiero continues as heartbroken family members struggle to make sense of their loss.

The daughter of “Military Mom” Sue Wackerlin, Jodie, 36, suffered fatal injuries on July 28 after a tragic accident police say was caused by a drunk driver.

Wackerlin is best-known for her work on behalf of American veterans and Adopt A Soldier. She described her daughter as a “light like a disco ball.”

“We all believe our child is the greatest, despite all the normal human faults,” Wackerlin said.

“I knew Jodi – Jojo as we called her – had some very special qualities for her young age. As the people continuously lined into the funeral home for final ‘see -you-laters’, I quickly realized that others not only saw these qualities, but felt them.

“We often hear that when someone enters a room, they light up the room. Jodi’s light penetrated the room before she entered, with her boisterous voice. Her light was like a disco ball with each color reaching those who needed something different. Nothing was unforgivable to her.

“Jojo saw everyone through a filter that I think social media can never duplicate. She never saw color, race, physical appearance, financial status, she saw a human being.”

That became clear to Wackerlin “as friends from high school, past jobs, current jobs to patrons from the bank she worked for to her primary care doctor, emotionally broke into sobs in my arms.”

“To me that speaks volumes about a person. Her door was open to anyone for any length of time, people only a few years younger than her thought of her as a mom.

“I’m proud so proud of the person she was.

“I’m still in awe of the love and support of so many folks within our community and those surrounding our small town, to the veteran and military community I love. It is overwhelming, but beautiful all at the same time.

“The love and support for myself and my family has been overwhelming, at times too much to take in.”

Jodi leaves behind a husband and 5 children, including 4-year-old twins, Wackerlin said.

“Her children were her world and will need assistance throughout their journey to adulthood. You never realize just having to replace a car to safely hold 5 children takes away from what you would normally put away for college, trade school, etc.

“Most families are dual income just to survive in today’s economy. So the future is going to be a struggle. I’m in awe of the generosity in such difficult times. It brings me hope for the future of America.”

Wackerlin said the crowdfunding campaign will continue as long as possible.

“I’m not sure how GoFundMe works,” she said. “But we want to keep it going as long as we can. Just to replace her family SUV will add a bigger payment for her hubby, and they will be down one income.

“Social Security death benefits are based off what she made up to date. Which at 36 isn’t going to total a lot.

“The GoFundMe donation drive has been amazing! I wish I could personally thank each and every one who has donated, although I’m not sure I can.

“The Midland State bank, all branches, is also collecting for those who do not partake in social media fundraising,” she added.

“I would like to end with these thoughts:

“Drinking and driving kills! Yes, other driver was WAY over legal limit. Drinking and driving kills not only the one that is physically gone, it kills the dreams and hopes of entire families and generations to come!

“The entire family unit, the extended family, is forever altered. The child’s dream of school dances, graduations and weddings with their mom are gone and will never return. I could go on and on!

“Jojos lil daughter, who at 6 knows the Lord, asked, ‘Why did God take my mommy?’, along with so many wanting to blame my Lord.

“I want everyone to remember: We are given free will why we walk this earth. Your decisions affect more than just you as an individual.

“Someone made that decision to get behind the wheel, they took her life, but I know God was there to carry her home!”

To date, over $8,000 has been raised in the GoFundMe account.

To donate, go to Support Jodi Lee Ruggiero’s Children’s Education.

Karen Haave is a freelance reporter.