John D. Siddall

Siddall, John (Jack), D.O.; of Kalkaska; passed away May 16, 2014; at Munson Medical Center, with his family at his side. He was 86 years old. Jack was born, along with his twin sister, Joan, on April 5, 1928, to George and Kathleen Siddall, in Jackson, Michigan. He was active in scouting through out his life. Starting out in Boy Scouts as a child, receiving his Order of the Arrow, working as water front director at camp, and becoming a Professional Scouter in the old Region 7. His love of scouting continued for the rest of his life and was passed onto his son. Jack enlisted in the Navy in 1948, serving five years as a Medical Corpsman during the Korean War. It was through this service that he developed his passion for medicine. Upon returning from Korea, he enrolled in Hillsdale College, graduating in 1957. He continued his studies at Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine, receiving his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine in 1962. Following his internship at Lansing General Osteopathic Hospital, he opened a private practice in Haslett, Michigan. While on staff at Lansing General Hospital, he met Lorann Hatfield. Who knew asking her out on a dare would turn into 49 wonderful years of marriage. They were married in 1965 and blessed with two wonderful children. His professional accomplishments included: 13 years of private practice in Haslett, Medical Director of Olin Health Center at MSU, Clinical Associate Professor for MSU’s College of Osteopathic Medicine, 16 years of private practice in Kalkaska, 4 years as Staff Physician and Medical Director at Baldwin Family Health Care, and he rounded out his career as a Medical Examiner with the State of Michigan - DDS in Traverse City, retiring at the age of 80. Jack had a lifelong dedication of giving back to the communities he lived in. This dedication allowed him to serve in many different capacities which included Trainer for the Hillsdale College Football Team, Team Physician for both Kalkaska and Haslett High Schools, Haslett School Board Member (including serving as president), North Country Hospice Board, and Rotary Club member in every community he lived in. Jack was very proud of being a Paul Harris Fellow. His love and dedication to Kalkaska Memorial Health Center lead him to many years of service on the hospital board, including 3 terms as Chairman of the Board. His joy of service earned him many awards and recognition which he treasured deeply. Jack is survived by his wife, Lorann; his children, Mark and Shannon (Chris); four grandchildren; four great grandchildren; and his brother-in-law, Coburn Bland D.O. Jack was preceded in death by his parents, George Howie and Ada Kathleen Siddall; his brother, Richard Siddall,; and his sisters, Joan Webb and Katherine Bland. A celebration of his Life will be held on Saturday, May 24, 2014 at The Kalkaska Funeral Home at 12 Noon. Visitation will be from 10 to 12 Noon. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in John’s name to one of the following organizations: Parkinson’s Disease Foundation, 1359 Broadway, Suite 1509, New York, NY 10018, KAIR, PO Box 766, Kalkaska MI 49646, or The Grand Traverse Regional Foundation named to Camp Greilick (Boy Scouts) Endowment Fund, www.GTRCF.org Jack enjoyed traveling with his wife, golfing with his buddies, a good party, family gatherings, and a cold beer on the 19th hole. His insights, humor, and calming demeanor will be greatly missed by all. Arrangements have been entrusted to Kalkaska Funeral Home and Cremation Services.