Jack Halsema

May 18, 2010

Jack E. Halsema age 71 longtime Michigantown, Indiana resident passed away May 18, 2010 in his residence. Born March 18, 1939 in Lafayette to John C. & Eileen (Havens) Halsema. He graduated in 1957 from Jefferson High School, 1994 from Indiana University-Kokomo, and in 1995 from Ivy Tech’s Nursing Program. He was a Licensed Practical Nurse working at Tipton Memorial Hospital for 13 years until his retirement in 2008. He served in the US Air Force 1958-1962, and was a member of the Frankfort American Legion. Other memberships included, St. Mary’s Catholic Church where he was involved in the Parish Nursing Group, and also a 4th Degree member of the Knights of Columbus. Served on the Michigantown Fire & Ambulance as an EMT for many years, was a CPR Instructor for the American Heart Association, Played Santa for various activities for 48 years, Sang with the Indianapolis Barber Shop Quartet, and the Tippecanotes Chorus for several years, and enjoyed photography, cooking, and woodworking. He married Gayl L. Downs on March 3, 1973 and they later divorced, and she preceded him in death in 2001. Surviving his is a daughter: Marcy Halsema of Lafayette, a grandson, Ryan Halsema of Lafayette, a stepson: Mark Downs (Pam) of Logansport, 2 brothers: Paul Halsema of Alamogordo, NM and Larry Halsema (Mary Anne) of Lafayette, 2 sisters: Colleen and Rosemary Halsema both of Lafayette, and a longtime companion Carolyn Gregory. He was preceded in death by his parents, and a brother Donald. Friends may call 5:30-8 PM Sunday at Archer-Weston Funeral Home in Frankfort where a rosary will be recited at 5:30 PM, Funeral Mass will be held 11 AM Monday May 24, 2010 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Frankfort, burial with military honors will take place 3 pm Monday at St. Boniface Cemetery in Lafayette.

Condolences

15 Condolences for “Jack Halsema”

  1. THE GREGORY FAMILY

    YOU ARE IN OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS.

  2. Joann Butcher-Boes

    Iam sorry he has passed. I worked with him @ Wesley Manor. A christian gentleman and I was blessed to know him. Our friendhip Chain is broken, and nothing seems the same; but as God calls us one by one, the Chain will link again. May God comfort you. Joann Butcher-Boes

  3. Lora Ford

    Growning up, Jack was always Santa Claus at the Michigantown Fire Station Christmas parties. He was even kind enough to come to my family Christmas celebration a few times. My cousins & I were always amazed that Santa took the time to show up at our house! I feel like I’ve known Jack my whole life. He is one of those people who always had a kind word to say. Our community truly lost someone special.

  4. Ruth Traznik

    I’ll remember all our days at Jeff and all the fun we had. We’ll miss you at our next reunion. God Bless!

  5. Robert Schweitzer

    So very sorry for your loss. I was a classmate and a friend. You will be in my prayers.

  6. Jerry & Bonnie (Neal) Bowsher

    So sorry to hear about Jack (my cousin) and Jerry’s classmate from St. Lawrence. You are in our prayers and thoughts Love, Jerry and Bonnie Bowsher 5401 Thornapple Ln. Acworth, Ga. 30101 Tom Hicks e-mailed us..

  7. karen Steill McDowell

    So sorry to read that Jack passed away. I attendend St. Lawrence Grade School and Jefferson High School with him. Jack lived in back of my good friend Kay Thoma Dickson, so we spent lots of time together as kids. We would change stories at class reunions. He was a great person and so caring. He will be missed. Karen

  8. Leo Klemme

    Jack and Charlie Long and I rented a house together near Purdue for about 3 years back in our 20s. He was pretty much alwasys a fun loving guyand we had some good times together. Many Friday nights we were at the K of C in Lafayette working at the fish fry together. We also did our initiation into the 4th degree together and I am sure he never forgot that as he commented several times about it while I knew him in the early 60s. I have not seen Jack much at all since then as I got married and we went out separate ways. I remember Paul too but did not know the rest of the family. He was a little heavy back then but from the looks of this picture he put on a lot of weight. May God bless him and his family. I will keep them in my prayers.

  9. Eileen Hession Weiss

    Rosemary: Sorry to hear about Jack. I remember him from the K of C. He was always jolly as Santa Clause and was a great one. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Eileen

  10. Jane Ann Miller

    Jack you was such a dear friend to me and my family.. You made our lives full of memories for 25+ Christmas’s. We also had good times as we worked for EMS in Michigantown. We shared the bad times there as well. You was such a gift to so many people. I will miss you. Our Christmas’s won’t be the same without you.. I know you are in God’s hands now and we will meet again someday.. Save a place for me dear friend..

  11. Marilea Cearlock

    I am so sorry to hear about Jack. He was always such a nice man to visit with when he came into the Farm Bureau Office. I will miss him. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.

  12. Mike and Beth Meece

    Jack was an amazing man. He helped teach me how to be the best EMT I could be. I don’t have a Christmas memory that does not include him being Santa. He will be missed tremendously. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time.

  13. Abby Clauss, St. Elizabeth-Pediatric & NICU Staff

    We are very sad to hear about Jack. He was a wonderful addition to our annual Pediatric/NICU Christmas Party. He would dress up as Santa and would visit the children and families while handing out gifts. He had a great heart and was very caring and unselfish with his time. On behalf of our Pediatric Staff, NICU & PR: We will miss you Santa Jack!

  14. Sandy Brouwer Spitznagle

    My deepest sympathy to Marcy and family – Jack was a very special cousin. Many fond memories of our ‘younger’ days. He always had a greeting smile. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

  15. Jo Ellen Myers

    I was so sad to hear of Jack’s passing. I worked with Jack at Preferred Home Health and I also worked in the ER where I had occasion to meet up with Jack when he was transporting a patient with the ambulance service. I had just seen Jack at the STVFF health fair earlier this month and got to talk about memories past. I reminded him I still had my picture of sitting on “Santa’s” lap. He was truly a gentleman and a good Christian man. He will definitely be missed!

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