Walter C. Wojack

1927 - 2017

Walter C. Wojack 1927-2017
Age 89, of Rothbury, Mich. passed away Saturday, April 8, 2017 in Aultman Hospital in Canton, Ohio. He was born on November 2, 1927 in Cleveland, Ohio to the late Stanley and Mary Wojciak.
Wally lived a full and productive life, and was surrounded by family and friends who loved him dearly. He believed in working hard, pursuing his dreams no matter how big or small, helping others without any hesitation, and touching the hearts of everyone who knew him.
Wally accomplished many feats in his life that most of us can only dream of, such as being a highly-decorated World War II veteran, a successful entrepreneur, a pilot, and owning and operating a 2,300 acre horse ranch and resort. Wally served his country during World War II as a deckhand on a warship stationed in the Philippines, and was injured during the battle of Leyte Gulf, which was the largest naval battle during the war. Upon returning home after the war he finished his education and began his career at General Electric, where he worked for 16 years. He then started his first company called Ohio Transformer, which he ran with two partners successfully for 27 years. Wally was honored by the city of Canton for his many accomplishments as a successful businessman and community leader. After selling Ohio Transformer Wally pursued a new opportunity that was very close to his heart. He purchased a 2,300 acre horse ranch and resort called the JJ Ranch in Rothbury, Mich. that he was closely involved with for over 65 years. In 1955 Wally and a small group of people led an effort to repopulate an area of the ranch that was devastated by harvesting. They planted 6” tall white pine seedlings that are now over 70 feet tall, and is now the site of an iconic annual attraction called the Electric Forest Festival that is enjoyed by over 50,000 millennials each year. Wally was considered the local historian, story teller, and mentor for many of the ranch hands and employees, and his passion for nature and people helped build lasting memories for all their guests. He lived and actively worked at the ranch he loved until his passing. Wally was a longtime resident and member the Congress Lake Country Club in Hartville, Ohio.
Preceded in death by his wife, Sandra on November 2, 2012. He is survived by two sons and a daughter-in-law, Randall and Lisa Wojack of North Canton and Christopher Wojack of Uniontown. Five grandchildren; Lauren (John Paul) Jackson of Naples, Fla., Caley (Mike) Elliott of Navarre, Presley Hall of North Canton, Andrew Wojack of North Canton and Nicholas Wojack of Uniontown.
As requested by Mr. Wojack there will be no formal services.
(Arnold, Hartville 330-877-9364)