Jack Gene Brase

BRASE, FOUNTAIN, BISHOP, JAEGER, SCHNEISER

Posted By: Sarah Fletcher (email)
Date: 3/6/2026 at 06:56:37

Jack Gene Brase, 95, of Iowa City, passed away on January 30, 2026, at his home in Iowa City surrounded by family. The family would like to express their gratitude to Iowa City Hospice for their care.

A visitation for Jack will be held at Lensing Funeral and Cremation Service in Iowa City on Thursday, February 5 from 5:00-8:00 PM. A graveside service will take place at Greenwood Cemetery in Muscatine on Saturday, February 7 at 11:00 AM with military honors.

Jack was born on May 14, 1930, in Muscatine, Iowa. He was the son of George and Lorene (Fountain) Brase. George died on November 7, 1932, leaving Jack and his two brothers orphans at an early age. However, they acquired a loving stepfather, Leonard Bishop, when Lorene remarried on August 15, 1939. Growing up, Jack enjoyed the outdoors so much that he often skipped classes. Nevertheless, he graduated from Muscatine High School in 1948.

He served in the United States Army 1951-1953 during the Korean War, from which he was honorably discharged as a private first class. He used the GI bill to attend Trinity Bible College in Chicago, where he met the love of his life, Marilyn Jaeger. Jack went on to earn a bachelor’s degree from Seattle Pacific College and a master’s from the University of Iowa. Jack married Marilyn (Jaeger) Brase on August 20, 1955, in Tumwater, Washington. They were together for nearly 69 years. They had four sons: Steven, Thomas, Calvin, and Donald.

Jack worked in education for many years. He began as a teacher in the Muscatine school district for two years (1958-1960) where his favorite student was his younger sister, Deb. After teaching, he moved to administration and became the principal at Wapello, Iowa Elementary School for seven years (1960-1967), Curriculum Coordinator for Muscatine for five years (1967-1972), Director of Lincoln School in Guadalajara, Mexico for four years (1972-1976), returning to the states to become principal for Trout Lake, Washington in 1976, eventually becoming superintendent. After years as an administrator, he returned to teaching GED classes for Clark College in Stevenson, Washington until full retirement in 1994. Jack always got along well with all of his students, especially the ones who tended to play hooky from time to time.

In 2002, Jack and Marilyn moved from Trout Lake to Iowa City, Iowa to be closer to 8 of their ten grandchildren. Jack was a devout Christian, and he was a member of Parkview Church in Iowa City. He enjoyed hiking and would often be memorizing bible verses during a hike. Most of all, he enjoyed spending time with his family. He will always be remembered for his laughter among friends and family, his prayers for a long list of family and former students, and the difference he made in countless lives.

Jack is survived by his sons, Steven Brase, Thomas Brase (Mary), Calvin Brase (Pamela), and Donald Brase (Amy); sister, Deborah Schmeiser (Don); grandchildren, Anna (Aaron), Joshua (Randi), Nathan (Natalie), Noah, Corrie, Caleb (Sydney), Moriah, Alyssa, Gabe, and Zack; and great-grandchildren, Kade and Kitt.

Jack was preceded in death by his loving wife, his parents and stepfather, his brothers, Bernard Brase and Leland Brase; and nephews, Tim and Darrel Brase.

Flowers may be sent to Lensing Funeral Home at 605 Kirkwood Ave, Iowa City, IA 52240. Memorial donations may be directed to Iowa City Hospice.

Lensing Funeral & Cremation Service
 

Johnson Obituaries maintained by Cindy Booth Maher.
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