Jack, LaVerne 1942-2013

JACK, SPEAS, OLSON, ALDANA, MCGRIFF, FUSON, JOHNSON, LITTLE

Posted By: Marilyn Holmes
Date: 12/20/2013 at 17:24:04

The PCCR
Oct. 23, 2013

LAVERNE JACK, 71

LaVerne Jack, 71, formerly of Montezuma, passed away Monday, Oct. 14, 2013, at the Iowa Methodist Hospital in Des Moines. Funeral services were held on Sunday, Oct. 20, at 2 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church in Montezuma. Burial was at the Pleasant Township Cemetery at Ewart immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Montezuma Fire and Rescue. Friends can sign the online guestbook at www.hollandcoblefuneralhomes.com.

LaVerne Jack, son of Wilbur and Abbie (Speas) Jack, was born Jan. 30, 1942, in Montezuma. LaVerne's love for farming was instilled at an early age. He helped with every aspect of the farm operation. He worked by his father's side and aspired to be like him in every way. He did find enough time away from farming to attend country school where he enjoyed the connections he had with children of all age groups. After country school, he was a part of the class of 1960, who were the first class to attend the brand new high school building in Montezuma. Upon graduation, he returned to what he knew best and continued to farm with his father. With the lessons he learned during his time there, he bragged about being a graduate of "Ewart University." Throughout his life, he was a strong advocate for Pleasant Township and the surrounding area. He served on the Montezuma School Board, helping to bring wrestling in as a sport. He did this because he knew this would be good for the kids, and what was best for the kids always got his vote. One of the few things that would take second place to his love for farming was the love for his family. During this time, he married Kay Olson and together they had two children. Their daughters, LaRayne and Heather, could quickly change a hard working farmer into a loving father. He would be sure to remind them to be careful in whatever it might be that they were doing. He liked to give them advice and enjoyed the occasional, "I told you so." On Sundays, they would pile in the car as a family and go for a drive. He continued to enjoy this tradition even after retirement. Laverne enjoyed fishing on his trips to Canada, following his grandsons and other family members through sports and activities, and reminiscing about his days as a farmer. He loved to tell stories about the "Hay Boys" that had come to help him over the years on Jack Farms. He was an active Charter Member of the Jaycees and a supporter of the Montezuma Volunteer Fire and Rescue.

In September of 2009, LaVerne moved to Missouri. During his time there, he met and fell in love with Christa Aldana. On Dec. 12, 2012, they were married. They cherished the time that they spent together. They enjoyed taking trips that LaVerne would have planned down to the minute. LaVerne never met a stranger, just friends he hadn't met yet. He would talk with anyone, and often did. He was a man with a caring heart and a loving hand, and he will be deeply missed.

LaVerne is preceded in death by his parents.

Left to honor his memory is his wife, Christa Jack; two daughters, LaRayne Jack and Kevin McGriff of Des Moines, and Heather and Tim Fuson of Granger; one step daughter, Tara Aldana; a brother, Keith Jack of Montezuma; two sisters, Karon and Vince Johnson, and Kathy and Jerry Little, both of Montezuma. He was also a proud grandfather to Samuel and James Fuson and step granddaughters Chenoa and Talia Aldana.