Jack O. Engelhardt, 90, U.S. Navy Veteran
Jack O. Engelhardt, 90 of Amherst passed away peacefully on Monday, December 1, 2014 at his home surrounded by his four loving daughters.
Mr. Engelhardt was born in Lorain on March 9, 1924, the son of the late Robert R. and Rhea N. (nee Geisel) Engelhardt. A graduate of Lorain High School, the Class of 1942A, he attended Bucknell University, Columbia University and received a degree in mechanical engineering from The Ohio State University on June 11, 1948. The following day he married the love of his life, Mary A. McGinnis.
He enlisted in the U.S. Navy during WW II; earning the American Area Ribbon and Victory Ribbon.
Mr. Engelhardt was a lifetime member of St. John United Church of Christ in Lorain, teaching Sunday School and serving on various committees.
He worked at US Steel in Lorain for 29 years, retiring as a superintendent Dec 31, 1982.
In the early 1990's, at the onset of her Alzheimer's, Jack began what he considered the most important work of his life, the role of loving and dutiful caregiver for Mary until her passing in their home in 2008.
He was a member of the Senior Fellowship. He enjoyed traveling with the M & J's, sports, woodworking, following the Buckeyes, spending time on the water, vacationing in DeTour, MI, raising Golden Retrievers, delighting little children, sharing stories and hosting gatherings at the home he and Mary restored together.
Mr. Engelhardt is survived by daughters Liz (Tom Vaughan) Engelhardt, of Seattle, WA, Pat (Charlie) Walder of Hudson, Peg Engelhardt of Columbus, Amy (Chris White) Engelhardt of Akron, grandchildren Lisa & Audrey Vaughan, step grandchildren, Kate White and Jenny (Adam) Kaffen, step great-granddaughter Taylor Kaffen, nieces Susan (Dr. John) Schaeffer, Cindy (Jon) Williams, Nephew Rick Engelhardt. He is also survived by his teeming and beloved extended "family" who so graciously shared their lives with him: McGinnis in-laws, grandnieces and grandnephews and their families, dear friends and colleagues, and much loved dogs.
Special thanks to Emily, Karen, Tony, Beth and Cathie for their loving care and support.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Mary A. (nee McGinnis) Engelhardt and brothers Ted and Bob Engelhardt and a nephew Ted Engelhardt, Jr.
Friends may call in the Schwartz, Spence, Boyer & Cool Home For Funerals, 1124 W. 5th Street, Lorain on Friday, December 5, 2014 from 11:00 am until the Celebration of His Life at 1:00 p.m. with Rev. Phil Kunz, officiating. Burial will follow in Elmwood Cemetery with prayers by Rev. Lorie Lerner. Full military honors will be provided jointly by American Legion Post 30 and the VFW Post 451.
The family suggests that memorial contributions may be made to St. John United Church of Christ, 715 Reid Ave, Lorain, or Crossroads Hospice, 9775 Rockside Rd #270, Valley View, OH 44125.
Online condolences at www.boyercool.com.