CoL Jack C. Fessenden (USA ret) Died 2009

MORIN, FESSENDEN

Posted By: Connie Swearingen (email)
Date: 10/24/2020 at 15:35:04

Sioux City Journal
10 July 2009

CoL Jack C. Fessenden (USA ret)

SIOUX CITY - Col. Jack C. Fessenden (USA ret.), 84, of Huntsville, Ala., formerly of Sioux City, passed away June 28, 2009, at his daughter's residence in Eads, Tenn.

Jack graduated from Central High School in 1943 and attended Morningside College in Sioux City, graduating with a bachelor of arts degree. He obtained a master's degree in personnel management from George Washington University in 1963, and received a certificate in accounting from the University of Alabama in 1984.

This man of integrity, who honored his family and country, was a veteran of three wars. He was drafted into the U.S. Army from Iowa in 1943. His 33 years in the military began with service as an infantryman in World War II, including action in the Battle of the Bulge. He also served in the Korean conflict and the Vietnam War.

Highlights of his career include duty on the joint staff of the Far East Command, ROTC PMST, three years as a logistics instructor at the Command and General Staff College, deputy G4 and G4 First Field Force Vietnam, chief of staff Material Command Europe, chief of supply U.S. Army Pacific, director of industry operations U.S. Army Support Command Hawaii as well as deputy post commander MICOM and commander of Redstone Arsenal Support Activity.

Among his honors and citations were the Legion of Merit with one oak leaf cluster, Bronze Star with two oak leaf clusters, Purple Heart, Defense Commendation Medal, Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal with one oak leaf cluster, Good Conduct Medal, Combat Infantry Badge and seven campaign stars for Eastern Theater of Operation, Korea and Vietnam.

One of his most enjoyable pastimes was acting in community theaters. Locally, he participated in many productions for University Players, Twickenham Repertory Company, Huntsville Little Theatre and Celebrity Diner Theatre in Birmingham, Ala.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 61 years of marriage, Vergene "Jean" (Morin) Fessenden; two daughters, Linda Butts and her husband, Raymond of Eads, Term., and Gail Higgins and her husband, John of Mapleton, Utah; a sister, Rosemary Verzani and her husband, John of Omaha; four granddaughters; and two great-grandsons.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Rex and Mary Fessenden; a brother, William; and a sister, Joan Cosgrove.

Memorials may be made to the Arthritis Foundation, 2700 U.S. 280, Suite 180, Birmingham, AL. 35223 or the Lupus Foundation, P.O. Box 631047, Baltimore, MD. 21263.