Dr. 'Jack' Elmer Fashbaugh

IRONWOOD, Mich. - Dr. "Jack" Elmer Fashbaugh, 76, of Ironwood, passed away on April 9, 2023, with his family by his side.

Elmer Jack Fashbaugh was born on Nov. 13, 1946, at Grandview Hospital in Bessemer. He was the first son of Elmer and Esther Marie (Hilke) Fashbaugh. After living his early years around Lake Wissota near Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, the family moved to Forest Lake, Minnesota, where he graduated from high school. He attended Saint Cloud State College, graduating with a comprehensive degree in literature. While considering a second degree in theatre, he met Helen Paul, whom he married in 1968. They were devoted to one another for nearly 55 years.

Jack received a master's degree and Ph.D. in English, with an emphasis on Medieval and Renaissance literature, from The Ohio State University. He taught literature and composition for several years. After four years at Iowa State University in Ames, he moved his family to Ironwood to be closer to his ailing father and to embrace the beautiful Northwoods again.

Jack served 16 years as Commissioned Lay Pastor of First Presbyterian Church in Ironwood, including weekly services at Villa Maria and Skyview, and later served as an interim pastor at Lac du Flambeau Community Presbyterian Church.

Jack was a loving father, a poet, a playwright, and a screenwriter. He enjoyed his monthly sessions with the Carnegie Library Poetry Group. He also loved the theatre and performed in many productions at Theatre North in Ironwood and the Historic Ironwood Theatre, often directed by his wife, Helen.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his brother, Earl (Sue) Fashbaugh; son, Martin (Letitia) Fashbaugh of Oelwein, Iowa; daughter, Caitlin (Josh) Kimball of St. Paul, Minnesota; son, Alan (Kait) Fashen of Minneapolis; and daughter, Mary (Matt) Bean of South Bend, Indiana. He is also survived by six grandchildren: Theo, Lucy, Veda, Sam, Marcie and Daniel.

He will be truly missed as a proud and loving husband, father and grandfather.

A memorial service will be held at McKevitt-Patrick Funeral Home in Ironwood on Saturday, April 22, at 11 a.m., with visitation prior beginning at 10. A luncheon will follow at the Elk and Hound.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Jack's name to Theatre North, the Downtown Art Place, the Historic Ironwood Theatre, or a local charity of your choice.

The family has chosen McKevitt-Patrick Funeral Home to honor Jack's legacy of life. You can leave condolences or a tribute at mckevittpatrickfuneralhome.com.