Jack William Cooley

Jack William Cooley, 89 of Traverse City, passed away peacefully Wednesday, November 27, 2013 at Bortz Health Care. Jack was born on October 19, 1924 in Rockwood, MI to the late William C. and Gudrun (Kaiander) Cooley. He married the late Eileen Ellen Korbi on June 7, 1947 in Trenton, MI. Together they lovingly raised two wonderful daughters. Jack was a member of the graduating Class of 1941 at Trenton High School in Trenton. He honorably served our Country in the United States Army during WWII, in the 114th Infantry with the Combat Engineers. He served in France, Germany, and Austria as a Mortar and Radio Operator. Jack earned the American Theatre Ribbon, EAME Theatre Ribbon, Victory Medal, Good Conduct Medal, The Silver Star and the Distinguished Unit Badge. After his time in service he attended the Lawrence Institute of Technology and earned degrees in Mechanical and Industrial Engineering. Jack lived in Traverse City since 1997, moving here from South Rockwood. While in South Rockwood he was a dedicated member of the Rockwood Congregational Church. Also, he was a Life Member of the Scottish Rite, the Masonic Order, the Shriners, (a member of the Oriental Band) The Royal Order of Jester and High 12. In his spare time he enjoyed fishing, reading, crossword puzzles, wood working and “tinkering” in his shop. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him. Jack is survived by his daughters, Kristine E. Cooley of Traverse City and Suzette Cooley-Sanborn (John Sanborn) of Acme; his grandchildren, Jack Grew and Olivia Grew and his great grandchildren Jordan and Destiny Grew Visitation for friends and family will be held on Monday, December 2, 2013 from 5-8pm with a Masonic Service held at 7pm at the Martenson Family of Funeral Homes, Ford Chapel, Rockwood, MI. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, December 3, 2013 at 11am with a visitation held 1 hour prior at the First Congregational Church of Rockwood, 22600 Mather St., Rockwood. The Rev. Charles A. Packer, will officiate Burial will take place beside his wife and parents in Michigan Memorial Park Cemetery, Flat Rock, MI. In lieu of flowers, the family would ask that memorial contributions be directed to The Salvation Army, 1239 Barlow St.,Traverse City MI., 49684 , The Traverse Area District Library East Bay Branch, 1989 Three Mile Rd. Traverse City, MI 49686, or First Congregational Church, 22600 Mather St., Rockwood, 48173. You may share memories of Jack with his family at his online guest book, www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com. The family is being served by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Traverse City and Martenson Family of Funeral Homes, Ford Chapel, Rockwood.

Jack William Cooley

October 19, 1924 - November 27, 2013