Jack T. Phelps

Jack Theil Phelps of Dimondale, born January 3, 1946 in Charlotte, MI, died suddenly at his cottage in Six Lakes, August 29, 2011. He grew up in Lansing, MI, and graduated from Eastern High School.

He loved creating and fixing things, building his own home, making hundreds of wooden toys for Toys for Tots, and making beautiful wooden treasures for family and friends. He loved watching things grow, from his garden to the fawn that visited his pond.  He worked his whole life beginning when he was old enough to have a paper route.  He joined the Marines in 1965 and was honorably discharged.  He was an expert mechanic and retired from General Motors after 23 years.  He was currently employed by H & R Block in Lansing, still building and fixing things.

He was preceded in death by parents Zelma (Johnson) and Orrin Phelps; his sister, Debra Phelps; his grandparents, Florence and Emery Johnson; and infant daughter, Lori Ann. He is survived by his wife of 45 years and high school sweetheart, Sandra (Hauser) Phelps of Dimondale; a daughter, Kristine Phelps of Lansing; a son, Todd Phelps of Lansing; sisters, Vicki Wozniak of Potterville, and his twin, Jill Murphy of East Lansing; brother, Mike Raines of Charlotte; nieces, Wendy Moon, Gina and Jacqueline Murphy, Renee Westlund; nephews, Steve and Rob Moon, Christopher and Timothy Wozniak, Fred Hauser III; mother-in-law, Lila Linn; brother-in-law, Fred Hauser Jr.; a host of friends; and his constant companion, Ellie.

A memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 6, 2011 at the Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Toys for Tots.

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11 Messages to “Jack T. Phelps

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Pam Ledbury
August 30, 2011 at 4:47 pm

Jilly and the Phelps family: I am so saddened to hear of Jack’s passing. He always brightened my day when I saw him, and Walmart was our *favorite* place. He brought Ellie and together they would leave “wally world” a gift that would keep on giving.
You all are in my thoughts and prayers, I wish there was something I could say that would ease your pain. I have and always will have a special spot in my heart for Jack. May God give you strength, and comfort you.

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Marcia Roslaniec
August 31, 2011 at 8:35 am

Sandy, Chris & Todd,
Please know that your friends & neighbors at the cottage are thinking of you during this difficult time. Every time I saw him and talked to him, he always asked about my family. He was and always will be a good, kind man.
Looking back over the years that we have been neighbors at the cottage, I really don’t ever remember him just sitting. He was always busy doing something.
You all are in our thoughts and prayers.
Marcia, Jim, Jon, Miles, Ian and Reece

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David Sears
August 31, 2011 at 1:04 pm

I worked with Jack in Lansing, in the electronic’s room. We also went on many of the test trips together. I enjoy working with him, we had many good debates on how to do things. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

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Anita Frye Such
August 31, 2011 at 3:05 pm

I will always remember as cousins what fun we all had together, playing tag out on the front lawn on beach street. I will always love you and you well be in my thoughts always. Untill we meet again.

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Steve Boehm
August 31, 2011 at 7:35 pm

Friends and Family of Jack,

You are in my thoughts and prayers.

I worked with Jack in Lansing and will always remember him as a great guy. He was very competent in his work and always had a great attitude. I will miss him.

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Don Flagg
September 1, 2011 at 7:37 am

Todd and family,

We are sorry for your loss. Our sincere condolences.
Don, Kelly, TJ & Katie

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Fred Hauser Jr.
September 1, 2011 at 10:27 pm

Sandy, I as so sorry to have learned of Jack’s passing. Jack was one of a kind, you and the kids where so blessed to have had him in your lifes. I will always remember many good times with Jack.
You all are in my thoughts and Prayers. Fred & Anne Hauser

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Kathy Schims
September 2, 2011 at 1:09 pm

I worked with Jack at Curtis Drug Store about 1962. At that time he was a wiry, strong stock manager, lugging cases of long-neck bottles of beer.

Whatever differences we had were soon smoothed over, and we had some really fun times.

I’ve often wished to know if he had a fulfilling life– apparently he did and was much loved.

My condolences to the family.

Kathy Schims

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Sally Ankney Hughes
September 2, 2011 at 7:24 pm

Sandi, Jill, Vicki and family, I’m so terribly sorry for your loss. Many of my good childhood memories involve Jack & his sisters. We were all blessed to have shared a part of his life. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Sally

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Peter Ohren
September 4, 2011 at 11:32 am

Kathy and I were shocked to hear the news of Jack’s untimely death, Sandi. We will always owe you a debt a gratitude for helping us find our beautiful place on Horseshoe Lake.

You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.

Peter Ohren & Kathy Brady

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Peter And Melissa Ocello
September 5, 2011 at 7:29 pm

Todd and Family,

Melissa and I want to extend our deepest sympathies for your loss. You and your family will be in our prayers.

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