Jack Fogelson

Jack Earnest Fogelson, 89, passed away Sunday, January 26, 2014 at Iowa Lutheran Hospital in Des Moines. Visitation will be from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, January 29, 2014 at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street. Funeral services will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Thursday, January 30, also at the funeral home, with burial at Sunny Hill Cemetery in Grimes.

Jack was born October 19, 1924 in Des Moines, Iowa to Charlie E. and Helen G. Fogelson. He served in the Army Air Corps as a ball turret gunner on a B-17 during WWII. He was part of the raid on the ball bearing factory in Schweinfurt, Germany. He finished one mission ahead of his crew, but they were the first to complete their tour without losing a man. After the war, he received his diploma from East High School.

On June 6, 1953, he married the love of his life, Helen Bauman of Grimes, whom he called Sparkles, and they settled in Des Moines. To this union, one daughter was born. In 1976 the family moved to Johnston where he resided until his death.

Jack worked many jobs during his life including Francisco Cabinet Company and the US Postal Service. He retired at the age of 62 from the Des Moines Public School System after 33 years of service.

He enjoyed classic cars, westerns, and most of all, spending time with his family. He was literally a Jack-of-all-trades that could fix anything and liked everyone.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Helen; daughter, Janette (Bill) Thede of Granger; two grandchildren, Jordan Thede and Caitlin Thede, both of Granger; sister, Betty Elliott; brothers, Dale Fogelson and Larry (Margaret) Fogelson, all of Des Moines; brother-in-law, Earl (Barb) Hodge of Fairfield, Iowa; sister-in-law, Harriet Fogelson of Mountain Home, AR; sister-in-law, Marilyn (Bob) Finney of West Des Moines; honorary daughter, Angel (Joe) Kifer of Des Moines and their daughter, Megan; as well as several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Charlie and Helen Fogelson; brothers, Don Fogelson and Jerry Fogelson; sister, Mary Hodge; sister-in-law, Nancy Fogelson; brother-in-law, George Elliott; and brother, John Robert, who died in infancy.

Condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com

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