John "Jack" Andreasen Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Mr. John “Jack” Andreasen, Jr. age 90, of Grand Haven passed away Saturday, January 9, 2021 at Grand Pines Assisted Living Center. He was born January 2, 1931 in Grand Rapids to John, Sr. and Olga (Croshaw) Andreasen. He attended Grand Rapids Public Schools graduating in 1949 from South High School, then onto Grand Rapids Junior College (Grand Rapids Community College) where he met Rose Marie Lewis in 1951. After graduating from Western Michigan College (Western Michigan University) they were married on June 19, 1954. On July 19, 1954, he entered the U.S. Army for 2 years where he attended Army Finance School. After returning to Grand Rapids, he began his teaching career at Alexander Hamilton Elementary School. During this time he earned his Masters Degree in Education Administration from Michigan State University. Jack was involved in the formation of the Kentwood School District and had fond memories of the students he followed from 7th and 8th grades to graduation in 1963. From there he moved to Hopkins Public Schools in Hopkins, Michigan where he was Superintendent of Schools for four years. In 1967, he moved his family to Grand Haven, Michigan where he became Assistant Superintendent of Business for the Grand Haven Public Schools, retiring after 25 years of service. During these busy years, Rose was fortunate to be a stay at home mom while their four children were growing up. In 1980, Jack was diagnosed with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) and was happy to be a 40 year survivor of that disease. After retirement, Jack served for several years on the North Ottawa Council on Aging and was actively involved in MARSP, Michigan Association of Retired School Personnel, which he considered to be a very worthwhile organization. St. Patrick – St. Anthony Catholic Church played an important part in his family life. He served on many different boards and councils over the years having been Chairman of the Building Committee for St. Patrick’s first Family Center on Fulton Street in Grand Haven. He was a Eucharistic Minister, member of the Parish Council and an usher. In his high school and junior college years, Jack enjoyed playing baseball, football and basketball. During his working years he played softball, golf and tennis and attended many high school football, baseball and basketball games as well as swim meets. He always enjoyed Michigan State University football and basketball games whether in person or on TV. In his later years and retirement, he loved to travel, spending many winter vacations with Rose in Arizona and California. He also enjoyed watching the amazing Grand Haven sunsets from his family home on Five Mile Hill. Later he moved just blocks away looking out over the Grand Haven channel where he enjoyed watching boat traffic, the Musical Fountain, and fireworks. Also in retirement, Jack enjoyed the friendly competition of three day golf outings reminiscing with friends (wives included) from the South High School class of ‘49. Several of these outings took place in Grand Haven with lodging at Harbor House Inn and golf at the Grand Haven Golf Course. Jack and Rose also spent many enjoyable evenings playing bridge in their couples bridge groups. Jack is survived by his wife of 66 years, Rose; four children: Jon (Elizabeth) Andreasen of Ada, Karen Andreasen of Massachusetts, Mary (Brent) Lane of Homewood, IL, and Eric Andreasen of New York City; four grandchildren: Michel (Kevin) Green, Jake Andreasen, Emma, and Anna Lane; sister-in-law, Mary Andreasen of Maine; many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his baby daughter, Jane Catherine Andreasen; brother, Kerry Andreasen, and sisters, Elaine Pylman, and Rosemary Eddy and brother-in-law Robert Eddy. Jack was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. His family was the most important thing in his life and he was happiest when they were all together. His children are grateful for the work ethic he instilled in them. A Memorial Mass will be held 11:00 AM Saturday, August 28, 2021 at St. Patrick – St. Anthony Catholic Church, with Reverend Charles Schwartz as Celebrant. Visitation and a luncheon will immediately follow the service. Memorial contributions in memory of Jack may be given to St. Patrick – St. Anthony Catholic Church Food Pantry or a Food Pantry of choice. Please sign the family’s online guestbook at www.sytsemafh.com.

John "Jack" Andreasen

January 2, 1931 - January 9, 2021

Obituary & Service

Flowers & Gifts

John "Jack" Andreasen

January 2, 1931 - January 9, 2021

Obituary & Service

Share a Memory Below

Flowers & Gifts