Jack Thomas Hemminger Sr.

NILES, Mich. - Jack Thomas Hemminger Sr. passed away on Thursday Jan. 27, 2022, at Spectrum Lakeland Hospital in Niles, just days past his 94th birthday.

Born Jan. 22, 1928, in Sterling, Illinois, to John and Anna (Messer) Hemminger. He was the third of five children. He graduated from Buchanan High School in 1946.

He served in the U.S. Army in the 7th Calvary Regiment as a machine gunner stationed in Japan from 1946 to 1947.

On Sept. 18, 1948, he married Joyce Marie Hill. He is survived by their six children, Victoria (Bill) Eberhard, Jack Hemminger Jr., Pamela Wright, Debra (Bob) Lotsbaich, Sandra (Mark) Weber, and Christopher (Stephanie) Hemminger; 13 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; special friends Duane Wregglesworth, Wayne Writer and Donnie Mackey; and his furry canine companion, Sammie.

He was preceded in death by his parents; Joyce Hemminger, his former wife; brothers, Bernard, James and Gail; sister, Rita Murphy; granddaughter, Andrea Hemminger; daughter-in-law, Diane (Jack Jr.) Hemminger; and son-in-law, Ricky Wright.

Jack worked and retired after 47 years from Electro Voice.

From 1970 to 2000 Jack was very active with the indoor Buchanan Floor Hockey League in Buchanan. During this time, he coached many generations of Buchanan's young children - including two generations of his own family!

As a resident of Buchanan, he spent many summers at the family cabin in Kalkaska and later to spend the past 30 years in Kenton in the U.P., where he lived out his passion for hunting and fishing with family and friends.

He most recently returned to the Berrien County area.

Cremation has taken place and a celebration of life service will be held June 18, at Faith Victory Fellowship Church at 13369 Main St. in Buchanan.

Jack's family would like to thank the following for their exceptional help and assistance in caring for him: Horizon Health Care of Ontonagon, West Woods of Niles, Spectrum Lakeland of Niles and Caring Circle of Lakeland.

In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to: Buchanan Floor Hockey League, 401 W. Chicago St., Buchanan, MI 49107; Paws of Hope of Stevensville, P.O. Box 13, Stevensville, MI 49127; or Caring Circle Hospice, 4025 Health Park Lane, Saint Joseph, MI 49085.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Hoven Funeral Home in Buchanan.