Jack William Netzel Sr.

WAKEFIELD, Mich. - Jack William Netzel Sr., 71, a longtime resident of Wakefield, passed away Monday, Aug. 31, 2020.

He was born on Aug. 9, 1949, in Park Falls, Wisconsin, a son of Eugene and Ruth Marie (Lemke) Netzel. Jack was raised in Butternut, Wisconsin, and graduated from Butternut High School. He continued his education and earned an accounting degree from Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College in Rice Lake, Wisconsin, an associate degree from Gogebic Community College in Ironwood, and a bachelor of arts degree from Northland College in Ashland, Wisconsin.

Jack proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. He was honorably discharged as a private first class on June 4, 1971, and received several decorations and citations.

On June 25, 1984, Jack was united in marriage to Bonnie Jo Cook in Bessemer.

Jack loved the outdoors. His hobbies were playing softball and collecting sports cards. He enjoyed spending time with his cats. Jack was a loyal supporter of the Wisconsin Badgers especially the Milwaukee Brewers and Green Bay Packers. He coached baseball at all levels and some girls basketball. Jack had a sense of humor like no one else and you never knew what he was going to say. 

Jack is survived by his loving wife, Bonnie; a daughter, Tracy (Rick) Steckling, Neenah, Wisconsin; four sons, Jack Jr. (Katrina), Billings, Montana, Anthony (Kaleena) and James, both of Marquette, and Jeremy, Wakefield; four cherished grandchildren, Jace, Alara, Moorea and Levi; two brothers and two sisters; many sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

A family celebration will be held Friday, Sept. 4, at noon, at the John Siira Pavilion at Eddy Park on beautiful Sunday Lake in Wakefield. Military rites will be accorded by the Wakefield American Legion Geroux Post 11 and Wakefield Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9084 Honor Guard. Lunch will be served following the service.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Jerald Rocco, owner and manager of Lakeside Memorial Chapel Inc., in Wakefield. Condolences may be expressed online at lakesidememorialchapel.com.