John "Jack" Vretenar

JOHN “JACK” VRETENAR, 75 of Wallace, Michigan passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Friday March 22, 2024 at the D.J. Jacobetti Home for Veterans in Marquette, Michigan where he resided for the past six years with the help of the wonderful staff.

Jack was born in Racine, Wisconsin on April 11th, 1948 to John and Ida (Bothe) Vretenar. Upon graduating High School in 1966, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps where he proudly served his Country during the Vietnam War as a Track Vehicle Repairman.

After returning from the service, Jack worked for the Kakuk Construction Co. for 25 years, and then went on to work for the Waupaca Foundry for several years. On December 7th, 1977 Jack married the former Barbara J. Maus of Stephenson, Michigan and they shared 46 wonderful years together.

Jack served with the Stephenson Fire Department as Assistant Chief from March of 1982 to May of 1994. He was a member of the American Legion Post #43 in Stephenson, Michigan and he was also a member of the St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church in Stephenson, Michigan.

Jack played in two bands, one called Borrowed Time and he played lead guitar in The Vintage Wine. He also played solo gigs in his one-man-band and practiced in his living room, where his children learned every word to every song he played. Music was something he was very passionate about and he passed that gift on to his children and grandchildren.

Jack coached softball for the Women’s Softball Team in Stephenson, Michigan. He enjoyed watching his Green Bay Packers and going to Northern Michigan University hockey games. He also loved riding Harley Davidsons and horses.

Jack was an avid hunter and fisherman and enjoyed the great outdoors whether that was riding snowmobiles or ice fishing in the wintertime or golfing or camping in the summertime. He shared his love for the outdoors with his family and friends, and always made sure to include them wherever he went.

In his later years when Jack resided at the DJ Jacobetti Home for Veterans, Jack and his wife Barbara participated in most activities that were presented to them--whether those were outings or indoor activities. His favorites included BINGO, bean bag toss, music, arts and crafts, Mexican poker, cribbage with his grandson, and sitting around the fire pit talking about his family.

Jack had a way of sharing his positive energy and words of encouragement with others. He never let anything that was out of his control bring down his spirit and he uplifted the spirits of everyone he interacted with, changing their lives for the better. The family would like to thank the staff at the D.J. Jacobetti Home for Veterans for the exceptional care and love they’ve shown to Jack throughout his stay.

Jack is survived by his wife Barb, daughter Amy Maus (Dan Krzywosinski), son Johnny Vretenar (Leann Fadroski), eight grandchildren including Tyler Vretenar, Emily Vretenar, Amanda Vretenar, Morgan Vretenar, Noah Vretenar, Ruth Tippett, Alexa Henden, Mya Henden, and lastly his three great grandchildren and sister Joan Kranz. Jack was preceded in death by his parents John and Ida, son Robbie, and sister Susan (Fox.)

Visitation for Jack will be held at Anderson Diehm Funeral Home on Tuesday, March 26, 2024 from 3:00 pm until time of Military Honors at 5:00 pm conducted by American Legion Post 43. The Stephenson Fire Department will then conduct a final call honoring Jack's years of service.  The funeral service will follow with Pastor Nick Rye officiating. An additional time of visitation will be held in the chapel of the D.J. Jacobetti Home for Veterans on Wednesday March 27, 2024 from 3:30pm EDT until time of military honors at 4:30 pm EDT. A memorial service will follow with Chaplain Jim Elenbaas officiating. Jack will be laid to rest in the Bethesda Cemetery, Daggett, MI.