Jack M. Fettig's Obituary
Jack M. Fettig, age 82, of Spring Lake passed away with his wife Beth and family at his side Saturday, September 20, 2008, at Spectrum Health in Grand Rapids. Jack married the love of his life, Beth (Cruthers) in 1950. They celebrated their 58th wedding anniversary September 16th. Jack was born November 22, 1925 in Petoskey to Paul M. and Marian (Knecht) Fettig and graduated from Petoskey High School. Proud Spartan, he was the chaplain of the Delta Sigma Phi fraternity at Michigan State College, graduating in 1949 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering.
Surviving Jack are his wife, Beth, 3 daughters; Marta (Dick) Sandee of Grand Rapids, Karla Fettig of Ashland, MA, Jackie (Bill) Cross of Northboro, MA, a son, Kim (Rhonda) Fettig of Grand Rapids, 8 grandchildren; Brent (Lisa) Sandee, Cliff (Becky) Sandee, Kayla Sandee, Mike (Carla) Fettig, Laura Fettig, Jason Fettig, Allison Cross, Daniel Cross and a great grandchild, Alexa Rae Fettig, and several nieces and nephews. Jack was preceded in death by his parents and 2 sisters, Joanne Crump and Eleanor Laus.
Jack and Beth lived in Grand Rapids until 1979 when they moved to Spring Lake. Some say this allowed Jack to get on the big lake faster with his buddy Dick Hazen to chase the coveted King Salmon.
After many years as a Sales Engineer at Honeywell, Jack started Executone of Western Michigan Inc. in 1968. He, and later with his son Kim’s help, built the company to 75 employees and 4 locations in Western and Northern Michigan until his retirement in 1989.
Beth, family and friends made Jack’s soul sing.
After his family, he was an avid sportsman. His passions and loves were Michigan State Football, deer hunting at the “Shack” near Big Bay, Michigan and traveling our beautiful country with Beth and beloved dog BeeJay in the motorhome. He loved their winter home and friends in Naples Florida at Crystal Lake RV Resort where Jack was best known for his great sense of humor as the MC of the annual talent show and for the creation of the Memorial Fountain.
Early in life, Jack served as an altar boy, became a lector and sung in the choir at his church. He loved his time together with son Kim at Indian Guides. He helped found the Shawmut Hills little league and was the head umpire for many years. Jack shared his love for the great outdoors taking his family camping every year. He was a licensed pilot.
Jack was a past President of the West Michigan Ambucs and was proud of the support they provided to disabled children, volunteering his time at Indian Trails camp. He was a founding member, past President and Vice-President of Communication of Northern Lights Motorhome Association. He was Northern Lights representative to the national Family Motor Coach Association (FMCA). Jack was a lector and active member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Spring Lake, MI and St. Agnes Catholic Church in Naples, FL.
Jack was a husband, father, story teller, singer, dancer and a great friend to all who knew him.
The funeral liturgy for Jack will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, September 26, 2008 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church with Rev. Leonard Sudlik as celebrant. Friends are invited to meet the family Thursday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at VanZantwick, Bartels, Kammeraad in Grand Haven (PLEASE USE NEW EAST ENTRANCE). Memorials to the Walker Ambucs (Walker, MI) are appreciated. Share memories with the family at their on line guestbook at www.vbkfuneralhome.com.
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