Jack Lee Erwin

Jack entered this world on a winter day, January 16, 1956 at 7:40 a.m. in Perry, Iowa to his parents Renee and Charles (Bud) Erwin, Sr. Jack, peacefully, left his family’s loving arms from our home in St. Mary’s, Iowa and went into the loving arms of our Lord on the sunny morning of August 2, 2021 at 10:54 a.m.

Jack was greeted in heaven by his father, Bud; grandparents, Dean and Gladys Lisle; in-laws, Ruth and LeRoy McGinnis; and his beautiful twin granddaughters, Emery and Alexsis Pliler; along with his uncles, Rollie Lisle and Larry Lisle.

Jack married the love of his life, Joan Frist on April 7, 1973 in Boone, Iowa. He was a 1974 graduate of Perry High School. He and Joan resided in Perry, Iowa and Des Moines, Iowa before making their home on their farm in St. Mary’s, Iowa. They were graced with two loving children, Chantelé Pliler and Chris Erwin.

Jack worked as a salesman for Hiland Potato Chips (20 years), Sioux Plating (18 years), and then Keystone LKQ until he retired. He loved hunting and tinkering in his shed. He was true to his name as he was a jack of all trades and a master of all. There was little he could not fix or do. He lived for his family and showed so much pride in his children and grandchildren. Family was #1.

Jack is survived by his loving wife, Joan; daughter, Chantelé Pliler; son, Chris (Jen) Erwin; grandchildren, John (Andrew) Herweh, Brandon (Jennifer) Pliler, Tyson (Macayla) Erwin, and Victoria Pliler; great-grandchildren, Bentley Pliler and Emery Pliler; his mother, Renee Wullenwaber; brothers, Chuck (Judy) Erwin, Rick (Sam) Erwin, and Jerry (Lorre) Erwin; sisters, Ann Harms, Donna (Jim) McGrean, and Kim (Jim) Engstrom; sister-in-law, Mershell Putman; brother-in-law, Mike (Judy) Frist; along with many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins; and his Boxer pup, Izzy.

Services will be held at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines with visitation on Thursday, August 5, 2021 from 5 to 8 p.m. and the funeral service on Friday, August 6 at 10:00 a.m. Family will greet friends following the service.

Memorials may be directed to the Pink Tractor Foundation, 3845 G50 Hwy., St. Charles, IA 50240. Condolences at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.




We are so sorry for the absence of sound for the memorial service. We experienced technical difficulties. You may read Chantele's eulogy and Pastor Schut's comments below the recording. Again, our deepest apologies. Hamilton's Staff



Jack Erwin – Eulogy by Daughter, Chantele Pliler:

If I had to explain my Dad to a stranger, there are many words that fit him.
Values, morals, dignity, love.

He wanted to be happy and he wanted all of us happy. Dad was the very essence of compassion. Dad gave sound advice on anything someone asked him about from teaching manners to responsibility. He was a straightforward man who demanded little from those around him except for respect. When he loved, he loved with all his heart and soul. This man was my Dad!

Last year, I purchased a book of “2000 Questions” He and Mom would make this book part of their morning ritual. I’d like to read a few and share them with you.

What is the highest you’ve ever jumped into the water from? Response: Polk City Mile Long Bridge

What a crazy fool. But it was a bet he knew he could do. 92 feet from bridge to water. That’s about 2 and a half telephone poles. No thank you!! Every time I would hear him talking about it, I would cringe. There is no way I could have ever done such a thing.

What food best describes your personality? Response: Cheeseburger – quick, easy, and laid back.

He’s right. There was nothing he didn’t like. He was efficient. He was always there to help at the drop of a hat and enjoyed every moment when he could.

Who taught you to drive? Response: Rick & Chuck – My Brothers.

Let me tell ya, he’s a great driver and so patient. When Victoria got her permit, I had no issues with riding around with her in the city. But, the country was totally different. I couldn’t do it. However, it was a breeze for Dad. He relished in the moments when the two of them would get up early and take off for a drive all over southern Iowa for hours. He taught her how to be aware of her surroundings and to always feel with her hands, feet, and butt when driving. Pay attention and if something is off, tell someone. With Grandpa, Victoria idolized him, so she took every word to heart and did as he asked. It has turned her into a wonderful driver and all because of Grandpa.

What is your idea of perfect happiness? Response: My wife, kids, and grandkids.
Boy, isn’t this true. Each of you who followed us on Jack’s Journey truly traveled right along side of us. You got to see the love story of these two as they made tough decisions on treatment and comfort.

I think Christmas morning was one of Dad’s happiest times no matter how much I was an unhappy camper. Every Christmas morning, Dad would wake up super early and could hardly contain himself for the moment he could wake us all up and open presents. He was like a little kid. He was giddiness with happiness.

What is your greatest extravagance? Response: Zero Turn Mower

He’s got quite the mower. It has a steering wheel on it. Last week, Chris was mowing. When he came by the living room window, Dad spoke out “Mower”. Then “No”. He takes a lot of pride in his yard. And he’s not one to inconvenience someone else for help. But he was tired and he accepted that his son was there to help him.

What is the number 1 thing people are always asking you for help with? Response: Build a deck

This is true. Dad has a knack for deck building. He could have had his own business. Anything he built would not break. He reinforced everything the right away. He built with quality. He took pride in his work. Everything he touched, he made beautiful. When he said he’d do something, he’d do it! Their deck is just perfect for them. A lot of time, laughter, tears, and hugs have been shared on the deck at home. If you didn’t notice; the inside of the service flyer is a picture of the view dad would see every day from his deck Dad loved building decks because he enjoyed the task and knew they were a place for family and friends to gather.

What is the quality you most like in a man? Response: Respect himself, let alone others.
Dad taught us all about respect. Hold doors for elderly. Pull to the side when you hear emergency vehicles. Say Thank you. Respect the flag. Make decisions with dignity. Always have health and car insurance. You play after you get the job done. And always wash your car for a funeral. We won’t be taking a drive today to the cemetery, but we still stopped and washed the car. Dad wouldn’t have wanted us to forget. Respect is a key to success.

What’s your most treasured possession? Response: My wedding ring.

Dad had a few men in his life who truly impacted him. Dad learned from a couple of them that when placing a ring on Mom’s finger, this meant they became one. He and Mom knew the true meaning of teamwork. They knew that marriage license was not just a piece of paper. It was a statement of the highest honor in marriage. You worked together. Don’t walk away when it can be settled with compromise. And never go to bed mad.

Lastly, how would you like to die? Response: Having people know how I feel about them and that they will survive after I am gone.

He’s right. We will. This has been an emotional trail. When we first found out it was Glioblastoma, we went straight to the internet. Mom and I joined our own support groups where we could learn and ask questions. Cancer is a demon. Glioblastoma has no cure and more than any other cancer, it has life-altering physical, cognitive, and psychological impacts on a patient’s life. Dad kept his wits about him all the way to the end of his journey. He continued to keep his personality, his twinkling eyes and that so cute charming smile.
He was a favorite with all of his doctors and nurses. He fought as long as he could. We recognized the situation and took as much advantage as we could with it. We made every moment a memory. Those memories will help us understand that as much as we want him to be here, we know he’s no longer in pain. We need to move forward. It won’t be easy, but we can do it, one foot at a time. We need to get up each morning and make an attempt at the day. Dad won’t be here in life form, but he is in each of your hearts and mine. He’ll always be right there.

So, when you are down, think of that amazing and wonderful memory with Dad that made you smile. Let it warm your heart. And then take another step forward. One step at a time from here on out.

Thank you to each of you for coming last night and/or today to pay your respects. Dad was an amazing man, husband, son, uncle, grandpa, brother friend, and most importantly to my brother and I, he was one hell of a DAD! Dad was a soul that brought joy and fulfilment to many, and whose legacy will live on forever.

Comments from Pastor Marv Schut:


Seasons in Iowa

Some longer than we would like.
Some much more enjoyable than others.
Some we try to avoid.

Ecclesiastes 3:1-4
In the Bible we read,
“To everything there is a season,
Time for every purpose under heaven:
A time to be born,
And a time to die;
A time to plant,
And a time to pluck what is planted;
A time to kill,
And a time to heal;
A time to break down,
And a time to build up;
A time to weep,
And a time to laugh;
A time to mourn,
And a time to dance;…”

We see like the seasons in nature that change, some are more enjoyable than others - so are the seasons of life. Some we planned for and others kind of blindsided us. We are reminded,also, how circumstances change.

Proverbs 16:9
“A man’s heart plans his way, But the LORD directs his steps.”
It goes without saying that sometimes life turns out a little different than we planned. At the same time, we are encouraged by the fact the LORD is there with us.

Jack’s season here on earth seemed much shorter than we expected. But as we prepare for different seasons so Jack prepared for his change. Approximately one year ago Jack and Chris (his son) and I had a lengthy conversation about what was next and his preparation for it. I explained to him the ABC’s of salvation and it is the finished work of Christ that gets us to heaven not our own works.

A. All have sinned and lived imperfect lives.
B. Believe in JESUS as your Savior
C. Confess - tell someone that you have put your faith in Him as your Savior and LORD.

After some questions back and forth with Jack he said, “He was good with that.”

Though we will miss Jack here on earth he was confident that he would go to heaven.

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