Jack Gingrass

IRON MOUNTAIN - Jack L. Gingrass, 88, of Iron Mountain, died Saturday, Jan. 23, 2010, at Dickinson County Memorial Hospital in Iron Mountain with his family at his side. He was born on Aug. 27, 1921, in Marquette, son of the late Paul and Grace (Zerbel) Gingrass. His mother died when he was two and Jack was raised by Paul and his stepmother, Marie. Following high school, Jack attended Northern Michigan University and later served in the U.S. Army Air Corp during World War II. Jack owned and operated Standard Printing Co. for many years, retiring in 2008. He served as state representative for the 109th district for 14 years, on the Iron Mountain City Council for several years as well as holding the position of mayor for the city of Iron Mountain for eight years. Jack also served 15 years on the Dickinson County Hospital Board, four years on the Lake Superior State University Board and six years on the Michigan Department of Transportation board. The following organizations which Jack was a member of benefited from his dedication and spirit of service: the First United Methodist Church, Chamber of Commerce, the Chamber Ambassadors, charter member of the Iron Mountain-Kingsford Lions Club, founding board member for Northwoods AirLifeLine, the American Legion Post 50 and the Elks Club. 1921-2010, Jack filled his dash by being a kind, loving, generous son, brother, husband, uncle, cousin, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. A friend summed up his life by saying, "Jack was a truly good man who never lacked in sharing love, encouragement and humor. He was a sweet teaser who made people feel special." He will be sadly missed by all who knew him. Jack is survived by two daughters, Shari (Dan) Wallner and Mary (Ray) Henderson and two sons, Robert (Peggy) Gingrass and Jack (Sue) Gingrass, all of the Iron Mountain area; a brother, Paul (Betty) Gingrass of Iron Mountain; 10 grandchildren, Ashlee Buchanan, Jared (Stacy) Buchanan, Alicia Wallner, Tony Wallner, David (Star) Henderson, Christy Henderson, Alexis (Tony) Vicenzi, Jennifer (Brett) Nepper, Samarie (Jason) Goudreau, and Ulysses (Theresa) Gingrass; 11 great grandchildren; and many special nieces, nephews and friends. Jack was preceded in death by his wife, Betty (Jenkins), the love of his life; a brother, Bob Gingrass; and two sisters, Sally Duffy and Carol Juhl. Visitation will be Friday from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home in Iron Mountain. The funeral service will follow Friday at 6 p.m. at the funeral home. Rev. Peggy Paige will officiate. Burial will be at Iron Mountain Cemetery Park. Memorials will be established in his memory. Condolences to the family of Jack L. Gingrass can be expressed online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain with the funeral arrangements.

Jack Gingrass

January 23, 1922 - January 23, 2010