Jack Fox, 1934-2009

  Jack Fox, age 74, of Centerville, Iowa, passed away April 20, 2009 at Mercy Medical Center in Centerville, Iowa.  Jack was born July 17, 1934, the son of Charles and Anna (Kauzlarich) Fox in Jerome, Iowa. Jack was raised in Centerville and graduated from Centerville High School with the class of 1952. Jack married Josephine Widmar on May 21, 1955 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Centerville. He began his employment with the Rock Island Railroad in Chicago, Illinois. Jack spent five years with the railroad before returning to the Centerville area where he began working for John Deere in Ottumwa, Iowa. Jack worked for John Deere from 1953-1986, retiring as a supervisor for the company.

Jack Fox, 1934-2008

  Upon his retirement from John Deere in 1986, Jack went to work for Johnson-Lange Funeral Home as a funeral assistant. He was a dedicated member of the Lange Funeral Home family and helped numerous families during their time of grief. Jack will be greatly missed by his friends at Lange Funeral Home. 

  Jack was known by most people as being "larger than life." He had a great sense of humor and enjoyed the company of others. In his spare time, Jack loved gardening, as well as fishing in his pond. Jack thoroughly enjoyed singing, especially "Amazing Grace" and the "Croatian National Anthem." He sang at funerals for several families throughout his funeral service career. Jack was very active with his grandchildren and great grandchildren by teaching them songs, swimming in the pool, fishing, hunting, playing games, taking rides in the truck or on the motorcycle, and also in Boy Scouts.

  People who knew Jack understood that his greatest hobby of them all was making wine. He had a strong passion for all aspects of wine making. Whether individuals wanted to sample his wine or desired tips on how to make it, people developed a sense of understanding on Jack's passion for his favorite hobby.

  Jack was a devoted member of the St. Mary's Catholic Church in Centerville. He sang in the church choir for many years. Jack was also a 4th degree member of the Knights of Columbus.

  Jack is survived by his wife Josephine Fox of Centerville, Iowa; children, Debbie (Lyle) Hodges of Moulton, Iowa and Rita (Steve) Baker of Springfield, Missouri; four grandchildren, Angela (Russ) Ocker of Centerville, Iowa, Jeremy Hodges of Los Angeles, California, Ryan Hodges and Danielle Davison of Centerville, Iowa; five siblings, Leonard (Bernie) Fox of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Tom (Joan) Fox of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Betty Riedel of Ottumwa, Iowa, Judy (Pete) Young of Fall Mills, Virginia, and Jane (Les) Hanneman of Edmond, Oklahoma. He was preceded in death by his parents; and a brother, Charles Jr.

  Mass of the resurrection will be held 11 AM, Thursday, April 23, 2009 at the St. Mary's Catholic Church in Centerville, Iowa with Father Dennis Schaab, Father Joe Miller C.PP.S and Father Joe Nassle C.PP.S officiating. Burial will follow at Oakland Cemetery in Centerville, Iowa. Visitation will be held Wednesday at the Lange Funeral Home with family present from 6-8 with a rosary at 5:30 PM. In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established to the St. Mary's Catholic Church and may be left at or mailed to the Lange Funeral Home, 1900 S. 18th St., Centerville, Iowa, 52544. Condolences may be left online www.thomaslangefuneralhome.com. 

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  Transcribed from the website of the Lange Funeral Home, Centerville & Moravia Funeral Chapel, Moravia.