Obituaries

 

of Ann Arbor, MI, age 64, died Monday, December 5, 2016 at the University of Michigan Hospital. He was born April 8, 1952, the son of John W. & Alisa Etsweiler II.  

Jack attended Culver Military Academy. He graduated from the University of Michigan, where he was in the Rowing Club. Jack worked as a secretary at Eastern Michigan University. He participated in the UMS Choral Union.

 

He is survived by his partner of 21 years, Merrill Squiers. A memorial service will be held at a later date.  Memorial contributions may be made to University Musical Society or National Public Radio. Arrangements by Cole Funeral Chapel, Chelsea.

 

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COMMENTS:

Tom Stockton: I'd known Jack since we were students at UofM back in the 70s. What a sharp & funny guy. Only Jack could get an A in a Polish literature course (created just for him) without ever meeting with the prof....who wasn't even in the country at the time. His mother was a character too. But I remember her being furious at me for giving him a ride on my motorcycle (an ancient Velocette).

A smart & friendly guy
With humor sharp & wry
We'd kept in touch
but not so much
as years went flying by

RIP, dude

Nancy Snyder: Jack was my friend and I'm glad I knew him I remember when he told me he planted his parents in Forest Hill Cemetery. Just a very kind, Jackish sort of comment. Since we planed my parents very close to his, I told him I was sure they would enjoy being "neighbors."

Jerry Blackstone: I always looked forward to chatting with Jack at rehearsals and on the CU bus to Detroit. I also was always nervous when he told me he had a joke to tell me. Smart, witty, a wonderful singer, and a man with a warm heart. I will remember him with fondness.

Patricia Tompkins: My husband Terry and I knew Jack through the Choral in the Choral Union for many years. He and I shared a love of the classical world.

Margaret Petersen: What a wonderful picture of Jack! I knew him when he sang in the UMS Choral Union and, like others who have commented, often shared the same bus with him when the CU performed in Detroit. Jack was always so clever and interesting, and I missed him when he left the CU. I am very sorry that he has left this world and hope that he meets up with all of his loved ones in the next. I smiled when I saw the contributions list includes NPR - I remember he was clearly a big NPR listener and had some strong (and witty) opinions about some of our local NPR hosts. Jack was certainly an original in the highest and best sense of the word!

Katherine Schindler: I knew Jack when I worked in Pray-Harrold. I remember him as an intelligent, witty and a sensitivity towards human rights issues. He also had beautiful modern artwork and a boat load of Dell computers in his office. He shared the stories behind his artwork. I am grateful that I knew you. I hope you have an exciting journey to the other side.

Margie Warrick: Oh this is very sad. Like others, I remember fondly Jack's wit and sometimes acerbic humor on those CU Bus rides. I am sure he is now singing with the angels.

Carol Milstein: Like Susan Campbell, I knew Jack from Choral Union, and in particular our bus trips to Detroit. His wit was caustic, but always amusing. And his voice was beautiful. My sympathies to his family.

Claudia Cullin: I worked with Jack in the History and Philosophy Department five years ago. He had a very keen sense of humor. I am very sad for your loss. I hope to attend the memorial here at EMU.

Susan F Campbell: Although I also have worked at EMU these last 16 years, I really knew Jack from the Choral Union. And I knew him best from our bus trips to sing in Detroit - and Jack was often a one-man entertainment section, acerbic as he could be at times. I continue to miss him in choir, and I am sorry for his loss.

Khadija B. Wallace: Rest peacefully Jack~ rest in peace my friend

Jesse: Jack will be much missed by his friends and colleagues at EMU.

Carolyn ONeill: Merrill--Jack was such a great friend to me and I know he thought the world of you. He will be sorely missed as there is no one else on earth like Jack. I remember when the two of you were almost eaten alive by mosquitoes in my backyard because Jack wanted to clean up the jungle back there. He was always so willing to help me. Sincerely, Carolyn

Sandy Kendall: Jack was a large and established personality on the U-M Rowing Club when I joined as a green freshman. I have fond memories of those days and of his kindness to all and respect for the sport and its people. So sad to hear of this loss... my sincerest wishes for comfort and peace to his loved ones and family.

Robert Winterhalter: Jack, Your off-beat sense of humor always made me laugh. You always reminded me of my favorite uncle. You will be missed but never forgotten.  Family and friends,
My condolences on your loss.

Edna Ewell: I loved Jack as much if not more than I love my six brothers for the simple reason that he became a friend and brother to a troubled black woman working with him in a difficult place for minorities..We shared everything we could especially a blonde brindle bouvier i gave him & his partner. when they got a new home. You are one of the stars now for real baby boy..peace & out..LUV

Claudia Cullin:I worked with Jack in the History and Philosophy Department five years ago. He had a very keen sense of humor. I am very sorry for your loss. I hope to attend the memorial here at EMU.