Philip "Jack" John Laux Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Philip “Jack” John Laux Jr., 97 of Traverse City passed away Friday, November 14, 2014 at the Grand Traverse Pavilions. Jack was born on August 24, 1917 in Detroit, MI to the late Philip John Sr. and Grace Collom Laux. He married the late Rita Garvey on June 6, 1941 in Ann Arbor, MI. Together they had four children, Joy, Philip III, Sally and Nancy. Jack was a proud graduate of the University of Michigan Medical School. He served in the United States Navy and was stationed in the Pacific Theatre During WWII. Upon the completion of his time in the service he returned to the Detroit area for his residency. He practiced Pediatrics in the Royal Oak area for over 40 dedicated years, beginning in the days when doctors still made house calls. He loved his patients, enjoyed his colleagues, promoted improvements in the care of premature babies, and served as chief of Pediatrics at Wm. Beaumont Hospital for several years. He and Rita moved to Traverse City after he retired. Several years after Rita’s passing, he married the late Nellie Olson, and they moved to California. Following Nellie’s death, Jack returned to Traverse City to be closer to his family. As a youth, Jack was a sailor and skilled tennis player. As an adult he also enjoyed snow skiing, water skiing, and golf- even scoring a hole in one. He delighted in Scuba Diving and was in his 70’s when he dove the Great Barrier Reef. He was an excellent bridge player, enjoyed music and dancing, and had a great command of and love for the English language. He enjoyed travel, vacationing with family and friends at Glen Lake, dive trips in the Caribbean and exotic cruises. Surviving Jack are his children, Joy (John) Tobin, Philip John Laux III (Sue), Sally Loup, Nancy Butler, 8 grandchildren, John Douglass Tobin Jr., Christy Tobin Pesola, Melissa Laux Spies, Kevin Laux, Jennifer Loup, Allan Loup, Kathleen Loup, and Jennifer Butler, 8 great grandchildren and many other loving family members and friends. Jack is preceded in death by his parents, brother Samuel Laux and both wives Rita and Nellie. Private family services will take place at a later time. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the Father Fred Foundation. Please sign Jack’s online guestbook at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com. The family is being served by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

Philip "Jack" John Laux

August 24, 1917 - November 14, 2014