Jack J. Voshel's Obituary
Jack J. Voshel, age 91, of Spring Lake passed away Thursday, February 14, 2013 at Heartwood Lodge Hospice House Residence. He was born September 16, 1921 in Grand Haven to John C. and Lyda (Platschorre) Voshel. Jack met his Jersey Girl, Carol P. Shirlaw at a USO dance in New York before deployment overseas. Jack married Carol after the war in December 15, 1945.
Sgt. Jack Voshel served as a Military Police Officer under the command of General George Patton during World War II campaigns in Central Europe. He was with General Patton’s Command for the liberation of Sicily and Italy. He earned the European, African, and Middle Eastern Theater Ribbon with 5 Bronze Battle Stars. He landed on Omaha Beach during the D-Day Normandy Invasion. He worked in his father’s West Michigan Floor Covering business after the war. He was employed by Oliver Machine in Grand Rapids for over 30 years to eventually become Plant Manager. Jack was a member of St. David’s Episcopal Church of Englewood, FL, a member of the Grand Haven Elks where he became Exalted Ruler in 1961. He has been a member of the American Legion Post# 28 in Grand Haven for 35 years, a former member of the Highlands Country Club in Grand Rapids and the Spring Lake Country Club in Spring Lake, Michigan.
Jack and Carol retired to Alameda Isles in Englewood, FL in 1986 to thoroughly enjoy the absence of snow and playing tennis 3 days a week. Jack and his best friend Bob Van Hoef were number 1 doubles team for Grand Haven High School in 1940. Jack and Bob especially enjoyed returning to Highland Park in Grand Haven to play 10 years ago. Jack was an active tennis player until he was 88 years old. Only a week ago, Jack was giving his great-grandson, Chance Jack, tennis tips.
He is lovingly remembered by his wife, Carol; daughters, Jill (Gene) Roberts of Spring Lake, Julie (partner Scherry Hanson) Voshel of Golden Valley, MN; sons, Geoffrey (Betsy) Voshel of Chelsea, MI and John (Karen) Voshel of Herndon, Kentucky; grandchildren: Sarah Vincent, Erin Porath, Meghan Roberts, Justin Voshel and Kathleen Butler; great-grandchildren, Chance Jack Vincent and Payton Vincent; and sister, Joy Hamm of Traverse City. He was preceded in death by his sister, Peggy Morton.
The Funeral Service for Jack will be held at 1:00 p.m. Monday, February 18, 2013, at VanZantwick Bartels Kammeraad Funeral Home in Grand Haven with Rev. Daniel Anderson officiating. Friends may meet the family one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Military rites will be provided by the American Legion Charles A. Conklin Post #28. Interment will be in Lake Forest Cemetery. Memorial contributions in honor of Jack may be given to Hospice of North Ottawa Community. Share memories with the family at their online guest book at www.vbkfuneralhome.com.
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