Jack Wayne Heethouse Sr.'s Obituary
Jack W. Heethouse, Sr., age 79, passed away Sunday August 25, 2024 surrounded by his family. He was born March 29, 1945 to Clarence and June (Gerber) Heethouse. He was endearingly known as “Corky” by close family and friends. Jack was an avid bowler throughout his youth and adult life. He was a long-term member of the Red Triangle League at Northway Lanes and bowled at Maple Lanes as well, where he also served as league secretary for many years. His 300 game on January 15, 1969, his multiple 700+ series, and his often 200+ average earned him an induction into the Muskegon Bowling Hall of Fame in 2005. Over his long career, he also won several all-event categories in the Greater Muskegon City Tournament.
Besides bowling in those early years, he enjoyed his 1967 Corvette and would often recollect driving on the Indy 500 track with his friends in the Muskegon Corvette Club. He worked at Howmet in Muskegon and Whitehall for 41 years, retiring in August of 2007. He also worked for many years at the L.C. Walker Arena, fondly recalling the many sporting events and concerts he was able to see.
Jack was known for his sense of humor, generosity (always with a “pay it forward” mindset) and his love for family and friends. His pride and joy was always his family. He cherished the time spent with his children and grandchildren, always attending their school events and sporting events. He especially loved watching their colleges play football and basketball. Jack was also a Detroit Lions fan through thick and thin. He often spent his free time volunteering at M.A.P (Mission for Area People) and enjoyed his fellowship at Lakeside United Methodist Church and later, Lake Harbor United Methodist Church. He loved gathering with friends to enjoy 50-70s music, competing to see who could name the band and song first. In his retirement he enjoyed his local coffee club meetings and especially loved traveling with his family. Jack most recently began spending his winters with family in Punta Gorda, FL.
Jack married his wife of 56 years, Mary Saint Amour, on May 24, 1968 in Muskegon. Mary survives him along with a daughter, Tammy Heethouse; son, Dr. Jack (Susan) Heethouse and their children Kyle, Tyler and Ryan; as well as his equally beloved grandpups, Molly and Charlie. Jack was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and June, and infant brother, Joel.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Lake Harbor United Methodist Church (4861 Henry St.) on Sunday, Sept. 8, from 1:30 - 4:30pm. Memorial contributions to M.A.P. would be greatly appreciated https://www.missionforareapeople.org/. Share memories with the family online at www.sytsemafh.com. Arrangements by The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 6291 Harvey St., Norton Shores, MI 49444.
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