John "Jack" Earl Chase
October 18, 2010
John “Jack” Earl Chase, 79, died Monday, October 18, 2010, at Mercy West Lakes Hospital in West Des Moines from congestive heart failure. He was born September 18, 1931, in Carroll, Iowa to Earl Julius and Catherine Leota Chase.
Jack graduated from City High School in Iowa City. After graduation, Jack attended the University of Iowa for a year before joining the Army and serving in the Korean Conflict, being stationed in Germany. Upon completing his military service, he re-enrolled at the University, earning his degree in accounting. After receiving his CPA certificate, he began his career in Tulsa, OK as an internal auditor for Arthur Young and Company. He returned to Iowa to be closer to family, taking an internal auditor position with the Daniels family-owned Ardan Sales Company. His career continued in manufacturing with Armstrong Tire and Rubber Company in Des Moines, American Chain and Cable in Fairfield, IA and a transfer to the Detroit area, where his work included contract negotiations with the unions.
His passion for accounting took him to Hawkeye Community College in Waterloo where he began his teaching career. This opportunity created an interest in computers, leading him to teach many students until his retirement in 2003.
Jack was an active member of Traer United Presbyterian Church, serving as an elder, worship leader, and spending countless hours preparing video and slideshow presentations used weekly in worship services. His messages from the pulpit showed his passion and dedication. His other interests include his love of computers, fishing, playing cards, southern Gospel music, and most of all, his family.
Jack is survived by his wife of 50 years, Gretchen; children, Nancy (Jeff) Stroburg, Shery (Terry Lint) Chase, Jacky (Lee) Garrett, Cathy DeReus, Tom (Penny) Chase; grandchildren, Jake (Kelly), Berndt, Emily, and Chely Stroburg, Elliott (Kate), and Jordan Florer, Bailey and Allison (Nick Neese) DeReus, Abbie, Steven and John Chase; five great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Kaye Stevens; brother-in-law, Wayne Fliss; nieces; nephews; and many special friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Gloria Jean Chase and Georgia M. Fliss.
The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service which begins at 10 a.m. Saturday, October 30, 2010, at Hamilton’s near Highland Memory Gardens, 121 NW 60th Avenue. At Jack’s request, cremation has taken place and a family graveside service will take place at a later date.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the American Legion in Traer, IA, the Animal Rescue League of Iowa, or a charity of your choice in loving memory of Jack.
Jack loved life – he was supportive, a patient listener, compassionate, and had his own unique sense of humor. He was a good man and we will miss him.
Online condolences may be made at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
sudhir and nicole sehgal
10/24/2010
Dear Gretchen,
Please accept my heartfelt condolences. This is truly a great loss. Jack had been a father figure to me during my stay in Iowa. I have very fond memories of him. He was an exceptionally intelligent man with a lot of insight. I enjoyed and truly feel blessed to have gotten to know him and to spend time with him.
I will miss him,
Best Regards
Sudhir
Veronica Olmi
10/24/2010
A great man who taught me valuable lessons of the Accounting aspects in business and other tips for working in the real world.
I was a student of his at Hawkeye Community College in 1985 - 1987.