Jack Edward Reynolds, Sr.

Jack Edward Reynolds, Sr., age 89, of Escanaba, passed away Thursday, October 7, 2021 at his home. He was born in 1931 and was one of five children to the late Edward and Lucille Reynolds. Jack served in the military during the Korean War. While in the military, he met and then married his wife Katie (Davis). He was honorably discharged after 6 years of service.

Jack worked at the Detroit Yacht Club, the Holiday Inn of Dearborn, and after twenty-one years of service, retired from Michigan Bell Telephone Company in Escanaba MI. After retirement, Jack and Katie moved to North Carolina for a few years before moving back to Escanaba.

He moved his family to the U.P. to “Jack and Kay’s Ponderosa.” He was known as “Jack of all trades” and his military training came in handy when teaching his children to learn life skills and running a hobby farm.

Jack was happiest when surrounded by family and friends and always made you feel welcome and part of the family. He was a great provider for his family and helped others in need as well. We will remember all the times he would load up the station wagon with as many people he could squeeze in, going on smelt runs, swimming and jumping off the old Gladstone Bridge, riding the homemade zipline and tire swings, and the good times around the bonfires. Earlier in life he enjoyed snowmobiling, hunting, and fishing. Later in life he loved to play cards and cribbage with family and friends.

Jack had a special bond with his nephew, Steve. He and the family appreciated the visits, talks, watching movies, viewing Steve’s photography of the U.P. landscape, and spending time together. Family with Steve took on a whole new meaning.

Survivors include his wife, Katie of 71 years; their children, William (Pat) Davis, Jacqueline Jaynes, Margaret (Rick) VandeWiele, Phillip (Laurie) Reynolds, Randy (Carolyn) Reynolds, Lynda (Dan) Caron, and Lucy (Randy) Loveless; as well as 15 grandchildren; and 20 great-grandchildren.

Jack was preceded in death by his son, Jack Jr.; his parents; his brother, Earl Beguhn; and his sisters, Mary Jasinski, Dolly Rye, and Pat Neuman.

Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., Friday, October 15, 2021 at the Anderson Funeral Home in Escanaba. Military Honors will be conducted at the beginning of the visitation at 10:00 a.m. by the Delta County Veterans Council. Funeral services celebrating the life of Jack will follow at 12:00 p.m., Friday, with Rev. Darin Kelsey officiating. A luncheon will be served at the conclusion of the services at the Berean Baptist Church in Escanaba. 

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