John "Jack" Joseph VanDrasek

Jack’s life began on the family farm on Hagar Shore Rd in Watervliet,  August 26, 1928.  He graduated from Watervliet High School where he excelled in sports and held the punt record in football for many years.  After high school Jack earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics  from Western Michigan University.  He then enlisted and proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Korean War.  After returning home Jack continued his education at Michigan State University earning a Master’s in Mechanical Engineering.  Jack worked at Whirlpool for many years and retired from Clark Equipment in Battle Creek after 30 years as Manager of Facility Engineering. When he wasn’t working you could find him using his carpenter skills building bean bag games and peanuts characters mailboxes. He loved playing golf, fishing, traveling, boating, enjoying his view of Paw Paw Lake, investing in the stock market, operating his beloved BobCat and following college football. He never left his farming roots and always had a vegetable garden. Jack belonged to American Legion Post 362 of Coloma.

Jack’s greatest joy was spending time with his family which includes: his loving wife of 60 years, Marcia (Ison) VanDrasek; his daughter Cheryl (Ken) Benjamin; three grandchildren Lauren, Evan, and Julie Smith; a son-in-law Kevin Smith; three siblings Gordon (Sandra) VanDrasek, Delores Miller, and Marie Wendzel; and many nieces and nephews.

Jack died peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family.  He is preceded in death by; a daughter Dawn Smith, his parents Adolph and Marien (Yates) VanDrasek, two sisters Norma Hastings and Marilyn VanDrasek, and three brother-in-laws Maurice Miller, Douglas Wendzel, and Lawrence "Bud" Hastings.  Hutchins Funeral Home is assisting Jack’s family with cremation arrangements and a graveside service celebrating his life will be celebrated at a later date. You are invited to leave a message of comfort for Jack’s family.

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