Van Metre, Jack W.
Jack W. Van Metre, age 77, of Madison and Green Lake, WI, passed away on Wednesday, July 24, 2013, in his Madison home with his wife by his side.
Jack was born June 21, 1936, in Oshkosh, WI, the son of Wilbur D. (W.D.) and Edna V. (Williams) Van Metre. He graduated from Ripon High School in 1954, where he was a superior athlete in football, basketball, and track; until 2007, he held the scoring record in basketball. Upon graduation, Jack attended college at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, where he majored in Accounting and Economics from 1954-1958. After graduation, Jack worked for a brief time as a Junior Accountant for Alexander Grant and Company in Cincinnati, OH. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison Law School in 1961. Upon graduation, he taught Legal Writing courses at the Law School for a year. From 1962 through 1967, Jack was junior partner in the law firm of Callahan, Arnold & Van Metre, with offices in Columbus, WI. In October, 1967 through December, 1969, Jack was the Executive Director of the Legal Services Center of Dane County, Inc. In 1970, he became the senior partner in a private law firm engaged in the general practice of Law in Madison. In 1980, Jack married Julie Osterbur, in Las Vegas, NV. Jack had achieved the rank of Eagle Scout in Boy Scouts of America; he was a former member of the First Congregational Church, UCC of Ripon; a member of Wisconsin State Bar Association; and a Delta Tau Delta Fraternity member at Miami University, Oxford, OH.
Survivors include his wife, Julie Van Metre, Madison, WI; daughter, Valorie (David) Litchy, Surprise, AZ; son, Kirk (Kris) Van Metre, Surprise, AZ; brother, Robert (Barbara) Van Metre, Bonita Springs, FL; grandsons: Benjamin Litchy, San Diego, CA, and Alex Litchy, Surprise, AZ; granddaughters: Makayla, Jordyn, Kianna, and Karly Van Metre, Surprise, AZ; uncle, James (Phyllis) Williams, Sun City West, AZ; many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, W.D. and Edna Van Metre.
Visitation for Jack W. Van Metre will be held Saturday, July 27, 2013, from 1:00- 2:30 pm at the First Congregational Church, UCC, 220 Ransom Street, Ripon, WI 54971.
A memorial service for Jack W. Van Metre will be held on Saturday, July 27, 2013 at 2:30 pm at First Congregational Church, UCC in Ripon. Reverend Joanna D'Agostino will officiate. Inurnment will follow at Garden of the Cross Cemetery in the Town of Ripon. In lieu of flowers, the family would like memorials sent to the Van Metre Scholarship Fund at Ripon College, Office of Advancement, P.O. Box 248, Ripon, WI 54971
Please visit www.butzinmarchant.com to send online condolences
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
So Julie and I hope to meet up for lunch in Madison to check out the Bishops Country Club for their benches ( a long story about the Green Lake Dog Park...)
Julie Olson
July 19, 2021
Sue S.
Coworker
October 17, 2019
The timing of this could not have been more perfect- it's like Jack was listening in on us last night- Julie, Mary and I met at Chops in Green Lake for Happy Hour and we ALL ordered vodka on the rocks- Mary had never met Jack so I told her all about the extra ice glass-and Jack you would be happy to learn that the latest diet craze is no sugar and the recommended spirits are tequila and..... VODKA! You were so ahead of your time-Julie Olson
Julie Olson
Friend
July 19, 2019
I was a law student working at Jack's House of Legal Aid in the late '60's. I learned far more from Jack than any course in law school. Now, every time I ask a new lawyer "What does the statute say?" I think of Jack -- and always will. Though I floundered like a fish out of water, he never lost patience with me. Oh. And he taught me how to play Liar's Poker but was smart enough never to teach me enough of it so I could actually beat him.
Ron Dean
September 13, 2013
So much vodka, so little time....We are at Norton's several years ago with Barb,Bob,Jack and Julie. I order a vodka on the rocks and a glass of ice water. As the ice melts in my drink, I scoop out the ice from the water glass. Jack suggests I order an extra glass of ice instead, just like he does. The man was brilliant! And to this day, that is how I order a drink. His legacy lives on. Wish we were there to give you a hug but know we keep you in our thoughts and prayers from Australia. Steve Swokowski and Julie Olson
Julie Olson
July 26, 2013
I never knew Jack but have known Julie, and have spent more consecutive hours with her than my own family, for the last 2 years.....my heart could not be any sadder for you and your family Julie. You are in my thoughts and prayers each day. Please let me know if you need any help with anything! I am right up the street!!
Jenna Homburg
July 25, 2013
Please accept my sincerest regrets for your loss. Your husband (Dad) and I went to Congregational Church camp together for a number of years in the 50s. I was from Oshkosh, hence our little "camper" group only saw each other for a week at Green Lake. Every year it was as though long time friends once again came together to learn, worship and find trouble. Jack was the leader. We could count on him to find something for our little group to upset "management". Great memories, great guy. I'm very sorry.
Jane Seefeld Katsune
July 25, 2013
Showing 1 - 7 of 7 results
Funeral services provided by:
Butzin-Marchant Funeral Home & Crematory515 Mayparty Dr PO Box 371, Ripon, WI 54971
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreSponsored