John "Jack" Casey, Jr.

  Mr. Casey, age 86, formerly of Potterville, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 31, 2014, in the comfort of his home surrounded by his loved ones.

He was born September 13, 1927 to John L. Casey, Sr. and Lillian M. (Ruhf) Casey in Ferndale, Michigan.  He grew up in Lansing and graduated from Sexton High.  He joined the Navy in 1946, and served on a number of ships, including the USS Albany, USS Portsmouth, and USS Randolph. He traveled to Italy where his homeport was Naples.  He was honorably discharged after two years and awarded the Victory Medal.

Jack participated in a variety of military organizations, including American Legion, Cooties, and V.F.W.  Jack was an active member of the V.F.W. and served in many ways through the years, including Post Commander, and on the Color Guard.   Most notably he was proud to be a Life Member at the Morley S. Oates Post 701 V.F.W. in Lansing.  Though humble about his own military service, Jack had much respect for others who serve our country.  He enjoyed the camaraderie of friends at the club, playing cards, drinking a cold beer and famously trying his luck at “pull tabs.”  He was known for his friendly, easy-going demeanor and will be missed by many friends.

Jack worked as a salesman in his early years for Leon’s Food Service and Domestic Linen, among others.  He also enjoyed working as a Bellhop at the Olds Hotel in downtown Lansing after the Navy and spoke of meeting celebrities and politicians who visited the hotel.  His primary occupation was material handling and truck driving for General Motors in Lansing.  He retired in 1993 after 28 years of service.

One of his responsibilities while working at the Olds Hotel was walking the owners dog “Fielder.”  He would stop in at the neighboring Kraft Drug Store, where a pretty girl behind the counter would feed Fielder hotdogs under the table.  Jack married his first wife, Lois (Kirkconnell), in 1952, and together they raised five devoted children. Though their marriage ended in divorce after 25 years, Jack and Lois maintained an amicable relationship.

Jack married his second wife, Helen (Schneckenberger), in 1984.  They enjoyed retirement years together spending winter months in Gulf Shores, Alabama where they made numerous friends.  Jack especially enjoyed the men’s “coffee” club at the American Legion.  Jack and Helen shared a passion for motorcycle trips and belonged to the Gold Wings Road Riders Club.  They participated in bowling leagues, golfed, and took gambling bus excursions to the casinos in northern Michigan together.  Their travels included Las Vegas, California, Bahamas, bike trips south.  Jack was an avid sports fan, especially loved the Detroit Tigers and MSU sports.

Jack was preceded in death by his parents, his wives, son-in-law James Cole, and many dear friends.  He is mourned by his five children, Jack Michael “Mike” (Sharon) Casey of Potterville, Marcia Casey-Cole of Potterville, Kathleen (Greg) Dobie of Eagle, Timothy (Anna) Casey of Fowler, CA, and Patricia Casey of Lansing.  Also, two stepchildren, Robert “Glen” (Peggy) Schmunsler of Lansing, and Bobbi Jo Heisler of Charlotte.  Ten grandchildren, Shayne (Niki) Ertman, Misty Ertman, Coty (Jake) Robertson, Tim (Cassie) Casey, Jr., Arthur Marez, Alex Marez and Joseph Marez, Scott (Olivia) Cole, Justin Cole, and Blane Heisler.  Fourteen great-grandchildren, Madisson, Shayne, Gage, Logan, Jaden, Dylan, Jaden, Isiah, Alex, Andrew, Lillian, Lola, Brandt, and Colton “Colt” Casey.  As well as a countless friends.

Dad you are already terribly missed.  It was a pleasure and joy to have you as our father.  We find comfort in knowing that you are at rest and reunited with many loved ones.  We look forward to the day we will see you again and kiss your handsome face.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, February 6, 2014 at Noon at the Estes-Leadley Greater Chapel in downtown Lansing, with Pastor Lyne Stull-Lipps officiating.  The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Wednesday, February 5 from 1-3 and 6-8 p.m.

Those wishing to make a contribution in memory of Jack may do so to the Great Lakes Caring Hospice or to the Morley S. Oates Post 701 V.F.W. in Lansing.

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14 Messages to “John "Jack" Casey, Jr.

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Shannon Hokanson-Rondon
January 31, 2014 at 7:21 pm

Prayers go out to the whole family.

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Kathy Dobie
February 1, 2014 at 10:43 am

Dad…I miss you already. I enjoyed all the time we got to spend together, and it was a privilege and pleasure for me to help you these past few years. You were a wonderful father to me for 55 years and I am incredibly blessed to have been your daughter. I am so proud of you…thank you for every loving thing you did for me…especially for that smile the other night. I will carry it in my heart for the rest of my life…..and look forward to the day I can see you again. I love you you dad…..Kathy

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Pam Jackson
February 1, 2014 at 10:53 am

To the Casey Family, again this week my heart breaks of the passing of Jack, last week it was Brownie, those 2 were great guys. Jack was always a special friend to me, good friend of my dads, and my husband Ray. I know they are all up in heaven looking down at us and saying, caring on, don’t cry for we are home now. And they are all probably ripping off the pull tabs too…lol…lol…RIP Jack Casey, you were a wonderful man.

Pam Jackson

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lowell hogle
February 2, 2014 at 5:58 am

rip Jackson you have been a good friend

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Jill Maynard
February 2, 2014 at 10:51 am

My thoughts and prayers are with Mike, Marcia, Kathy, Tim, and Patti, along with the extended family…..what a wonderful man and wonderful family….R.I.P. Mr. Casey……

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Don and Joyce Root
February 2, 2014 at 5:17 pm

Our sympathy to all the family of Jack. We had a lot of fun with him in Potterville. Prayers to all in this time of healing. Your friends, Don and Joyce Root and family

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Regina (Jean) Elton (Wightman)
February 2, 2014 at 8:13 pm

I have many great memories of my cousin Jack and his mom, my Aunt Lillian. They are missed, but left a lot of good memories. Thoughts and prayers to his wonderful children. Jean and Ray Elton

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Mike Heinze
February 3, 2014 at 7:20 am

Our prayers and thoughts are with the family. I have fond memories of the days growing up next door to the Caseys. You have all been great friends over the years. RIP Jack. I know your dad is proud of you all!
Love
Mike & Patty

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Karen Manning
February 4, 2014 at 10:08 am

Uncle Jack your one of a kind. I really enjoyed how you would take the time to visit me when I worked at Min-A-Mart so many years ago! You are so loved and respected. I’m going to miss you! But, I’m so proud to call you my UNCLE!!! Till we meet again, forever in our hearts, Karen, John, Billie & John T.

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Patti Casey
February 4, 2014 at 11:21 am

I can’t put my emotions into words right now. I knew your body was getting tired and your time with us was nearing the end, and maybe i should have been more prepared for this time… But I wasn’t….The emptiness and loss I’m feeling is tremendous… I was truly blessed and honored to have you as my dad… Thanks for your loving, gentle ways.. i can still hear your voice calling me “sweet” Love you Dad

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Kathy Dobie
February 4, 2014 at 4:58 pm

What a wonderful dad I was blessed to have! I loved him, and appreciated him…..and I will miss him with all my heart. I thank God for him, and look forward to the day I am reunited with him on the other side of this life. Thanks dad for being such a loving, sweet gentleman. Your generous spirit of kindness blessed so many people in your 86 years. Thanks for instilling that spirit in all of us. I love you always……

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Mr&Mrs Walkinshaw
February 4, 2014 at 6:20 pm

I am so sorry that we could not spend more time with you jack.we well miss you. you where a great friend to us.

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michael powell
February 5, 2014 at 6:46 pm

May your journey be safe into the sun,
and you find peaceful rest there above.
For life and death are truly one,
shared by those whom you have loved.

-msp

“Love knows not its own depth until the hour of separation”
? Kahlil Gibran, The Prophet

Reply
Stacy Ghast
February 6, 2014 at 5:06 pm

Kathy
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your father. I loved hearing the stories about him that you would share. He sounded like a wonderful man and father. Someone shared this with me when my mother passed away and I think of it often so I will pass along to you. Those we love never go away they walk beside us every day.
Take Care.

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