Jack Ginther

Even though Jack Ginther’s journey was filled with numerous enriching experiences that were filled with fond memories, nothing was better than sharing his life with the ones he loved. Whether he was gardening, building model airplanes, or putting in a hard day at work, he gave whatever he was doing his very best. Jack was never one to worry about the little things and always kept his cool while modeling what it means to be there for others in ways both great and small. A loving husband, devoted father, and loyal friend, Jack will be dearly missed while the memories he leaves behind are forever cherished by all who knew and loved him.

The 1930s were very much defined by the Great Depression that blanketed our nation and much of the world throughout the entire decade. Jobs were scarce and the unemployment rate soared, which meant that people often picked up and moved across the country in search of a better life. Despite the desperate circumstances, the American spirit could still be seen in things like the completion of both the Empire State Building and the Chrysler Building as well as Amelia Earhart’s successful flight across the Atlantic. Amidst this trying time a young couple from Sturgis, Michigan, was able to shift their focus to a time of great joy in their own lives with the birth of their only son on August 25, 1936. Jack was the second of three children born to his parents, Virgil and Maxine (Keyes) Ginther, and he was raised in the family home alongside his older sister, Joann, and his younger sister, Nancy.

In many ways Jack experienced an upbringing that was a reflection of the times. His father worked in sales for Harvey Paper Products while his mother focused her time and attention on tending to their home and raising the children. It was during his formative years that Jack was instilled with a strong work ethic as he was required to work around the house. He discovered that he enjoyed working in the yard and garden, which would be interests that would carry over into adulthood. However, one thing that Jack absolutely hated was cleaning the chicken coop! He was a student at local schools including Sturgis High School where he was the quarterback on the football team and also played baseball and wrestled. After graduating from high school in 1955, Jack went on to graduate from International College in Ft. Wayne, earning a bachelor’s degree in business.

Life was forever changed for Jack when he met the young woman with whom he would share the best years of his life. Her name was Anna Santantonio, and they were introduced through his sister, Joann, as they both worked at KVP. After dating for a time Jack and Anna soon found themselves deeply in love. With a desire to establish a life together the sweethearts were married on February 23, 1963, in Kanley Chapel after dating for about nine months.

Together Jack and Anna were filled with unspeakable joy to welcome their daughter, Wendy, into their hearts and home. He was an active part of his daughter’s life and was her biggest supporter and encourager. Jack was there to help with her homework when needed, and he also made it to all of her many dance recitals through the years. They enjoyed fun-filled vacations as a family where some of the memories they treasured most were made. Jack loved sharing his passion for gardening with Wendy as he taught her the ins and outs of gardening and how to care for plants. To support his family, he spent 27 years working for the County of Kalamazoo, retiring as the chief deputy treasurer in April of 1999. In addition, Jack was there for his nephew, Andrew, who considered Jack to be a surrogate father.

Throughout his life Jack was one to keep busy. In addition to gardening, he took meticulous care of his lawn and made sure that it always looked in tip top shape. Jack was diligent in seeing that his lawn was properly fertilized, and of course he planted plenty of flowers as well. He had a lifelong fascination with planes and got into building model airplanes as well. Jack was a WWII buff who also had an interest in photography. For several years he enjoyed bowling. With a deep love for his community, Jack was an active member of the Westside Kiwanis and attended several of their conventions through the years at both the district and national levels. As someone who enjoyed giving back to the community, Jack served as the club’s secretary for more than 20 years.

Although Jack Ginther was more quiet and reserved by nature, he was the type of person who could be counted on to be available to help his family and friends in whatever way was needed. He was warm and approachable with the ability to keep things in perspective. Jack was a hardworking man who was a firm believer in getting a college education and working hard, too. His greatest joy was found in his family as he viewed the day he married his wife and the day he became a father to be the best days of his life. Life will never be the same without Jack here, but his spirit will remain forever in the hearts of his family and friends.

Jack Ginther, of Kalamazoo, died on Saturday, June 14, 2014, at Borgess Hospital. Jack’s family includes his wife, Anna; daughter, Wendy Ginther; 2 sisters, Joann (Joe) Cossairt and Nancy Davis; sister-in-law, Victoria Anderson; and brothers-in-law, William (Ruth) Longest, Jack Bowker, and Chuck Nichols; nephew, Andrew Anderson and his daughter, Emily Anderson; and many other nieces and nephews. Jack was preceded in death by his parents; brother-in-law, Carl Anderson; and sisters-in-law, Clara A. Bowker and Mary Nichols. Friends may visit with Jack's family on Wednesday from 5-8 pm at the Life Story Funeral Home, Betzler-Kalamazoo, 6080 Stadium Drive (375-2900) and funeral services will be held at 11 am on Thursday at the Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 1747 West Milham Ave. Burial will be in the Mt. Olivet Cemetery. Please visit Jack’s personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can archive a favorite memory or photo and sign his guestbook before coming to the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to First Wesleyan Church, Veterans helping Veterans program. Due to allergies, the family has asked that guests refrain from wearing perfumes.