John Ebertsch

John "Jack" Robert Ebertsch, 78, of Granite Bluff, passed away on Monday, July 1, 2013 at his home after a brave 7 month battle with cancer. He was born on January 4, 1935 in Chicago, Illinois, son of the late John J. and Catherine (Kiemele) Ebertsch. His family moved to Oak Lawn, Illinois when he was 3 years old. He graduated from Reavis High School, and went on to 2 years of college at I. I. T.. While living in Oak Lawn, Illinois Jack worked as a Postal Carrier for the Oak Lawn Branch of the U.S. Postal Service for 9 years. While employed there, he and Deanna Lea Baacke eloped on October 1, 1957 to Hernando, MS., and have spent nearly 56 wonderful years together. In 1963 Jack went to work for Inland Diesel in Illinois. Jack & Dee moved to her family's camp land in Granite Bluff in 1971. Jack and his father-in-law started Rudy and Jack's Home Maintenance and Repair. Later he worked as a diesel mechanic for W.B. Thompson, then Inland Diesel and returned to W.B. Thompson from 1973 until his retirement in 2000. Jack enjoyed raising animals, woodworking, gardening, camping, cooking/baking and working on cars. Most of his time was spent in his wood shop.This is where his talent mostly showed, along with his perfection in wood working. You would find him in his shop day after day as he built anything he possibly could, and everyone could find him there if they needed something fixed. Sharing his home made caramels gave him great pleasure. More than anything, he loved spending time with his family. He adored his children, grandchildren and especially his great-grandchildren. Jack was always ready with a helping hand for anyone who needed it. He could repair or build just about anything as shown by his many projects in his home, his children's homes and his grandchildren's homes. He was preceded in death by a son, Jon "Josh" Ebertsch in 2011, a brother, James L. Ebertsch and his in-laws, Rudy and Frances Baacke. Jack is survived by his loving wife, Deanna Ebertsch of Granite Bluff; his son, Brett (Patti) Ebertsch of Granite Bluff; his daughter, Star (Kent) Martin of Randville; 7 grandchildren: Casey Ebertsch, Joseph, Jason (Sarah), and Erica Ebertsch, Mandy (Dave) Shogren, Cody (Colleen), and Frances Martin; 5 great grandchildren: Lindsay, Addyson, and Caylee Shogren, Olivia Ebertsch, and Gavin Snowden; brother in law, Art (Pat) Baacke of Granite Bluff: sisters in-law Delores Ebertsch of Chicago Ridge, IL and Susan (Rudy) Mashak of Iron Mountain; special nephew, James Ebertsch Jr., and several nieces and nephews; special friend "adopted sister" Kay Walters; special friends "adopted children" Dan and Shari Wallner; and special Nurse Kelly Watt. The visitation will be held on Friday, July 5, 2013 from 10:30 am to 12 noon at the Erickson-Rochon and Nash Funeral Home in Iron Mountain. The funeral service will follow at 12 noon at the funeral home. Jack's daughter in-law Patti Ebertsch, will lead the service celebrating his life. In lieu of flowers a memorial will be established in his memory. Jack's family would like to extend a sincere thank you to Dickinson County Home Health and the Dickinson County Cancer Loan Closet for all of their help and support. A special thanks also to the Doctors and the Nurses of DCH. Condolences may be expressed to the family of John "Jack" Ebertsch online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com. The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon and Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain with the funeral arrangements.